Afridi's omission makes it unlikely that he will win his place back for Pakistan's home Test series against West Indies in January

Pakistan have recalled former skipper Babar Azam for their away Test series and white-ball matches against South Africa starting next week.

Speedster Shaheen Afridi has been left out of Pakistan's squad for a two-Test series in South Africa in a bid to keep him fresh for the Champions Trophy at home next year, the Pak

Speedster Shaheen Afridi has been left out of Pakistan's squad for a two-test series in South Africa in a bid to keep him fresh for the Champions Trophy at home next year, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday.

Pakistan recalled fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after three years for test matches while Shaheen Shah Afridi will play only white-ball cricket in South Africa. Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 test matches but hasn't played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since the Jamaica test in 2021.

Shan Masood will captain Pakistan during the Test series with Mohammad Rizwan named skipper for the white-ball contests, while star batter Babar Azam is among a host of key players named in all three squads.

Babar, skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub are the only players to feature in all three squads.

Babar Azam returns across formats as Pakistan announces squads for the South Africa tour. Shaheen Afridi is rested for the Tests, while Mohammad Abbas rejoins the Test side. Read the full schedule and insights here.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas has made his comeback into the Test squad whereas Shaheen Afridi has been rested for the red-ball series on South African soil.