Breaking: Pakistan Announce T20I Squad for South Africa Series 2025 — Salman Ali Agha Named Captain
Pakistan T20I Squad for South Africa Series 2025 has officially been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), marking the start of a new leadership era. The selection sees Salman Ali Agha named captain, while Babar Azam, Usman Khan, and Naseem Shah make powerful returns to strengthen the side ahead of the much-awaited Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Series 2025.
🇵🇰 Salman Ali Agha to Lead Pakistan T20I Squad vs South Africa 2025
In a major development, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new Pakistan T20I captain for the upcoming home series against South Africa. This is the first time Agha will lead the national team in the shortest format, signaling the PCB’s renewed focus on nurturing leadership depth.
Known for his composed temperament and reliable batting, Agha has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in both domestic and international cricket. His appointment is seen as a positive move toward building a balanced and disciplined team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
PCB Chairman lauded Agha’s leadership qualities, saying, “Salman represents the modern Pakistani cricketer — humble, hardworking, and fearless under pressure.”
🌟 Babar Azam and Naseem Shah Return to Pakistan Squad for South Africa T20Is
The announcement brings good news for fans as Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Usman Khan make a strong comeback to the Pakistan T20I squad 2025. Their return adds much-needed experience and firepower to the team after a period of rotation and rest.
- Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, is expected to anchor the innings and stabilize the top order.
- Naseem Shah, fully fit after his injury, reunites with Shaheen Afridi to form a lethal new-ball attack.
- Usman Khan will handle wicketkeeping duties and strengthen the middle order with aggressive stroke play.
Read More: Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 Match Summary
🆕 Usman Tariq Earns Maiden Call-Up; Abdul Samad Returns as Power-Hitter
The Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 will also witness fresh talent in the squad. Young sensation Usman Tariq has been awarded his first-ever T20I call-up, following an impressive run in the National T20 Cup. His explosive batting and athletic fielding earned him a well-deserved place.
Additionally, Abdul Samad returns to the national side as a specialist power-hitter, known for his ability to clear boundaries under pressure. His inclusion gives Pakistan more finishing options and adds versatility to the batting lineup.
Cricket analysts believe this combination of experience and youth could set the tone for Pakistan’s T20 future.
📋 Complete Pakistan T20I Squad vs South Africa 2025
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Batters | Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, Usman Tariq |
| Wicketkeeper | Usman Khan (WK) |
| All-rounders | Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal |
| Pacers | Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr |
| Spinners | Usama Mir, Abrar Ahmed |
| Reserves | Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem |
🏟️ Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 Schedule
The Pakistan T20I series against South Africa will consist of three matches, to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
- 1st T20I: Rawalpindi – November 5, 2025
- 2nd T20I: Lahore – November 7, 2025
- 3rd T20I: Lahore – November 9, 2025
All matches will start at 7:30 PM (PST) and will be broadcast live on PTV Sports HD and Ten Sports Pakistan.
🔍 Selectors’ Insights and Strategy Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
PCB Chief Selector Wahab Riaz shared that the selection reflects a long-term vision to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
“Our focus is on developing a strong bench strength while giving emerging players exposure in home conditions,” he said.
The selectors also mentioned that the rotation policy will continue, allowing senior players to rest when needed to avoid burnout before major tournaments.
Read More: Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series
🗣️ Former Players and Experts React
The cricket fraternity welcomed the selection.
- Misbah-ul-Haq praised Agha’s leadership, calling it “a smart and strategic move.”
- Rashid Latif emphasized that Naseem Shah’s return would boost Pakistan’s bowling balance.
- Aamir Sohail highlighted that Pakistan’s middle-order stability would depend on how Abdul Samad and Iftikhar Ahmed perform in crunch situations.
Social media also buzzed with excitement as fans applauded PCB’s “bold but balanced” squad composition.
📊 Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 13 | 9 |
Pakistan currently lead the head-to-head tally but will face tough competition from South Africa’s aggressive batting unit.
🔥 Predicted Pakistan Playing XI for 1st T20I 2025
- Babar Azam
- Usman Khan (WK)
- Salman Ali Agha (C)
- Abdul Samad
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Aamer Jamal
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
⚡ Focus Areas for Pakistan Team Management
- Strengthening middle-order finishing power.
- Balancing pace and spin attack under different conditions.
- Managing player workload for long-term fitness.
- Testing leadership depth under Salman Ali Agha.
- Enhancing fielding agility and match awareness.
🏁 Conclusion: Pakistan Announce T20I Squad for South Africa Series 2025
The Pakistan T20I Squad vs South Africa 2025 represents a perfect mix of experience, youth, and fresh leadership. Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy, Babar Azam’s class, and Naseem Shah’s fiery pace bring renewed hope as Pakistan aims to dominate on home soil.
With young guns like Usman Tariq stepping up, this series promises thrilling cricket and a glimpse into Pakistan’s future under a confident new leader.
Check Also: Breaking News: South Africa Beat Pakistan by 8 Wickets in 2nd Test 2025 — Series Ends 1-1
❓ FAQs about Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Series 2025:
1. Who is the captain of Pakistan’s T20I squad for South Africa 2025?
→ Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the first time.
2. Who has returned to the Pakistan T20I squad?
→ Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Usman Khan are back in the squad.
3. Who got his maiden call-up?
→ Usman Tariq received his first T20I call-up.
4. Which players are in reserves?
→ Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
5. When does the series start?
→ November 5, 2025, in Rawalpindi.
6. Where to watch Pakistan vs South Africa T20I 2025 live?
→ PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Tamasha App, and Daraz Live.
7. Why was Mohammad Haris dropped?
→ Due to inconsistent form and selection balance.
8. What is Pakistan’s T20 head-to-head record vs South Africa?
→ Pakistan lead 13–9 in 22 matches.
9. What’s the goal behind Agha’s appointment?
→ PCB aims to test new leadership ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.
10. What is the full Pakistan T20I squad 2025?
→ Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Naseem Shah, and others as listed above.
