LAHORE: Pakistan will begin its 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship on Sunday with the opening match of a two-Test series against defending champions South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where 38-year-old Asif Afridi is expected to make his debut, according to sources.
Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan are likely to field a line-up comprising seven batters, two pacers and two spinners. Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out due to a viral fever and will be replaced by Asif Afridi, who is set to earn his maiden Test cap.
Afridi has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will be joined by the experienced Nauman Ali, 39 years old, who has 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75.
In the fast bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to return to the Test side after a year. The left-arm pacer has 116 wickets in 31 Tests and will share the new ball with Hasan Ali, who has 80 wickets in 24 Tests and last played a Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.
Left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq, who last represented Pakistan in the longest format of the game in December 2023, is also expected to return to the playing XI.
South Africa will tour Pakistan for series in all formats of the game. The first Test is scheduled to be played from October 12 to 16 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, while the second Test will be played from October 20 to 24 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan is likely to play as an XI for the first Test
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali and Asif Afridi.
