Breaking News: PCB Announces ODI Squad for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 for the upcoming South Africa and Sri Lanka series. Pace star Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain, while Mohammad Rizwan takes the wicket-keeping role.
The squad reflects a smart balance between experienced players like Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman — and fresh faces such as Haseebullah and Hasan Nawaz. This combination shows Pakistan’s strategic planning for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted at home.
📋 Official Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 List
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain) | Fast Bowler |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner |
| Babar Azam | Batsman |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| Faisal Akram | Left-arm Spinner |
| Fakhar Zaman | Opening Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Haseebullah | Wicket-keeper Batsman |
| Hasan Nawaz | Top-order Batsman |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Rizwan (WK) | Wicket-keeper Batsman |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler |
| Saim Ayub | Top-order Batsman |
| Salman Ali Agha | Middle-order Batsman |
🌍 Pakistan vs South Africa & Sri Lanka Series 2025 Overview
The Pakistan cricket team 2025 will face South Africa in a three-match ODI series before hosting Sri Lanka for another three ODIs.
These games will serve as key preparation matches before Pakistan takes on the world in the Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB is expected to confirm venues including Rawalpindi, Multan, Karachi, and Lahore, making it an exciting home season for fans.
Read More: Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 Match Summary
💬 Shaheen Afridi’s Reaction After Being Named Captain
Following the announcement, Shaheen Afridi expressed pride and confidence in his squad:
“Leading Pakistan is a great honor. Our focus is on building a fearless, united, and dynamic team for the upcoming global tournaments.”
He added that the team’s strength lies in its pace attack and that new players would be given opportunities to prove themselves before the Champions Trophy.
🌟 Key Players to Watch in Pakistan ODI Squad 2025
🦁 Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain & Spearhead)
Shaheen continues to inspire as one of the world’s top bowlers. His leadership will be tested in these tough away and home series.
🎯 Babar Azam (Star Batsman)
The former captain and batting genius remains Pakistan’s most dependable run-getter in ODIs. His experience and temperament will stabilize the top order.
💪 Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-keeper & Finisher)
Rizwan’s consistency behind the stumps and versatility in the middle order make him essential to Pakistan’s ODI setup.
🚀 Fakhar Zaman (Explosive Opener)
Known for his aggressive batting style, Fakhar will aim to give Pakistan quick starts in the powerplay overs.
🔄 Abrar Ahmed & Faisal Akram (Spin Duo)
The mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and the young left-arm spinner Faisal Akram bring variety to the bowling attack — a vital asset for subcontinental conditions.
Check Also: Breaking: Pakistan Announce T20I Squad for South Africa Series 2025 — Salman Ali Agha Named Captain
🧠 PCB’s Selection Strategy for ODI Squad 2025
The PCB Selection Committee emphasized the importance of building a strong, balanced squad.
The focus was on form, fitness, and domestic performance ahead of international exposure.
Key points include:
- Emerging players rewarded: Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, and Faisal Akram join after impressive domestic runs.
- Experience retained: Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Fakhar continue to guide the team.
- Strong bowling core: Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem make one of the most lethal pace attacks globally.
- All-round balance: Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Wasim Jr strengthen both departments.
Read More: Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series
⚡ Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 Strengths & Challenges
✅ Major Strengths
- Elite pace trio: Shaheen, Haris, Naseem.
- Versatile batting lineup with Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar, and Saim.
- Reliable all-round depth for flexible team combinations.
⚠️ Challenges
- Middle-order consistency remains a concern.
- Fielding errors have cost matches in the past.
- Young spinners will need to handle pressure against stronger teams.
🧩 Expert Analysis on Pakistan ODI Squad 2025
Former cricketers have praised PCB’s bold yet balanced selection.
Misbah-ul-Haq said:
“Shaheen’s leadership shows PCB’s trust in the new generation. This team can evolve into a winning unit before the Champions Trophy.”
Cricket expert Rashid Latif added:
“Pakistan now has pace, power, and potential. The key will be maintaining consistency in batting.”
📅 Pakistan ODI Series 2025 Schedule (Tentative)
| Opponent | Matches | Venues | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 3 ODIs | Rawalpindi, Multan, Lahore | November 2025 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 ODIs | Karachi, Islamabad, Pindi | December 2025 |
Final dates and match timings will be announced soon on the official PCB website.
🌏 Importance of Pakistan’s ODI Series Before Champions Trophy 2025
This ODI season is critical for testing Pakistan’s bench strength and team chemistry before the major ICC event.
- Helps define Pakistan’s best playing XI.
- Offers match practice against strong opponents.
- Builds confidence for global tournaments.
The management views these series as a foundation phase for long-term stability and growth.
📱 Fans Celebrate Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 Announcement
Fans applauded PCB for bringing balance and energy to the squad. Many expressed excitement at seeing Babar Azam and Rizwan playing together again under Shaheen’s leadership.
Check Also: Breaking News: South Africa Beat Pakistan by 8 Wickets in 2nd Test 2025 — Series Ends 1-1
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PCB Announces ODI Squad for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series 2025:
1. Who is the captain of Pakistan ODI team 2025?
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain for both South Africa and Sri Lanka ODI series.
2. Is Babar Azam in the ODI squad 2025?
Yes, Babar Azam is included and remains a key top-order batsman.
3. Which new players are part of Pakistan’s ODI squad 2025?
Hasan Nawaz, Haseebullah, and Faisal Akram are the new entrants in the ODI setup.
4. When will the South Africa ODI series begin?
The series is expected to start in November 2025, followed by Sri Lanka in December 2025.
5. Who is the wicket-keeper in the ODI squad?
Mohammad Rizwan is the main wicket-keeper, with Haseebullah as backup.
🏁 Conclusion: Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 Under Shaheen Afridi’s Leadership
The Pakistan ODI Squad 2025 showcases a renewed vision for the nation’s cricket future. Under Shaheen Afridi’s leadership, supported by senior stars like Babar Azam and Rizwan, Pakistan looks ready to rebuild its dominance in ODI cricket.
This combination of pace power, batting depth, and young talent promises thrilling contests ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Fans are hopeful this team will bring back the golden era of Pakistan cricket.
