NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Tuesday named a spin-heavy 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against South Africa, recalling pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and including as many as five spinners. The series begins in Lahore on October 12.Alongside regulars Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, Pakistan have added Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, and 38-year-old veteran Asif Afridi to bolster their spin department. Uncapped wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir has also been named as back-up to first-choice Mohammad Rizwan.

Shan Masood will lead the side, while Shaheen returns to the Test fold after a year-long absence.“There are two newcomers in the spin department to supplement Sajid and Noman, with the experienced Afridi and the talented Akram,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.Pakistan’s strategy reflects their preference for spin-friendly conditions at home. Last year, they famously used powerful fans and patio heaters to prepare dry, turning pitches during the England series — a tactic that paid off as they bounced back from an innings defeat in the opener to win the next two Tests, with Noman and Sajid taking 20 and 19 wickets respectively.The second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 20. This series marks the first World Test Championship (WTC) assignment of the new cycle for both teams. South Africa won the previous edition (2023–25), while Pakistan finished ninth.The Tests will be followed by a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series.Pakistan squad:Shan Masood (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi