Pakistan have announced an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, which commences on October 12 in Lahore. The series is the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle for both nations. Three Uncapped Players in the Team The selectors have given opportunities to three players who have never been capped before. Spin-bowling allrounder Asif Afridi, left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir have all been included in the team. Afridi, 38, possesses domestic experience of several years, taking 198 wickets at an average of 25.49 in 57 first-class matches. Akram, aged just 22, has yet to play more than nine first-class matches, taking 44 wickets. He has also played three ODIs for Pakistan. Nazir, 23, is an exciting wicketkeeper-batter who averages 34.45 with the bat in 43 first-class matches. He has already led Pakistan in T20Is at the 2023 Asian Games. Shan Masood to Captain Despite Poor Record Despite of the criticism for his captaincy, Shan Masood has been retained as the captain. He has lost only three of his 12 Tests as a captain, yet the selectors have continued to have faith in him. He will be accompanied by senior batters Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha. The middle order includes Kamran Ghulam as well, providing Pakistan with depth in batting. Two wicketkeeping options are provided by Rizwan and Nazir. Also Read | Saeed Ajmal Says Govt Cheque Bounced, 2009 World Cup Reward Not Given Bowling Unit Stuffed With Spin Options Pakistan's team boasts a powerful spin taste. In addition to the new faces, the selectors have selected Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan as well, thereby having five spinners overall. The selection indicates Pakistan are anticipating slow, turning pitches in Lahore and Rawalpindi alike. The pace attack is headed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will be assisted by Hasan Ali, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram Shahzad. This balance provides Pakistan both experience and variety in their bowling arsenal. The first Test will get underway on October 12 in Lahore, while the second Test will be played in Rawalpindi on October 20. South Africa, the current World Test Championship holders, will present a tough challenge. Pakistan Squad for SA Tests Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi