CSA Reveals Squads for Pakistan With Surprise Recall
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced its squads for the Pakistan tour, confirming leadership changes and the surprise comeback of Quinton de Kock.
The Proteas will play two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs from October 12 to November 8, with fixtures scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad.
Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the Tests with a calf injury. Aiden Markram has been appointed captain in his absence, while spinner Keshav Maharaj joins only for the second Test to manage his workload.
In limited overs, CSA has opted for interim leaders. David Miller will captain the T20 side, while Matthew Breetzke takes charge of the ODIs, giving the young batter his first chance at international leadership.
Former captain Quinton de Kock has been recalled for both the ODI and T20 squads after stepping away from international cricket. His return is expected to add stability and experience to South Africa’s batting order.
The ODI leg will be staged in Faisalabad, which is set to host its first international one-dayer in 17 years. Cricket fans in the city are expected to turn out in numbers for the rare occasion.
Test Squad
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | Batter | Stand-in Test captain |
| Dean Elgar | Batter | Senior top-order option |
| Keegan Petersen | Batter | Middle-order stabiliser |
| Tony de Zorzi | Batter | Young inclusion |
| David Bedingham | Batter | Test squad reinforcement |
| Kyle Verreynne | Wicketkeeper | First-choice keeper |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder | Key seam option |
| Gerald Coetzee | Bowler | Pacer |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | Lead fast bowler |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | Experienced seamer |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler | Express pace |
| Keshav Maharaj | Spinner | Only for 2nd Test |
ODI Squad
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke (c) | Batter | Interim ODI captain |
| Quinton de Kock | Wk-Batter | Return from retirement |
| Reeza Hendricks | Batter | Experienced opener |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Batter | Middle-order anchor |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Wk-Batter | Finisher role |
| Aiden Markram | Batter | Dual-format inclusion |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder | Balance in squad |
| Andile Phehlukwayo | All-rounder | Depth option |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | Leading pacer |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | Experienced quick |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Spinner | Frontline white-ball spinner |
T20 Squad
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller (c) | Batter | Interim T20 captain |
| Quinton de Kock | Wk-Batter | Surprise comeback |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter | Power-hitter |
| Reeza Hendricks | Batter | Top-order consistency |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Batter | Middle-order role |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Wk-Batter | Finisher role |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder | All-phase utility |
| Wayne Parnell | All-rounder | Left-arm seam option |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler | Express pace |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | Experienced seamer |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Spinner | Lead T20 spinner |
Tour Schedule
| Format | Fixture | Date(s) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 1st Test | Oct 12–16 | Lahore |
| Test | 2nd Test | Oct 20–24 | Rawalpindi |
| T20I | 1st T20I | Oct 28 | Rawalpindi |
| T20I | 2nd T20I | Oct 30 | Lahore |
| T20I | 3rd T20I | Nov 1 | Lahore |
| ODI | 1st ODI | Nov 4 | Faisalabad |
| ODI | 2nd ODI | Nov 6 | Faisalabad |
| ODI | 3rd ODI | Nov 8 | Faisalabad |
