Asif Afridi (centre) talks to Pakistan spin bowling coach Abdur Rehman throughout coaching session forward of first Check towards South Africa on October 9, 2025, in Lahore. — X PCB@TheRealPCB
LAHORE: Pakistan will kick off their marketing campaign within the ICC World Check Championship 2025-27 with the primary fixture of a two-match collection towards defending champions South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with 38-year-old Asif Afridi anticipated to make his debut, sources mentioned.
Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan are more likely to go in with a mixture of seven batters, two quick bowlers, and two spinners. Attributable to a viral fever, right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been dominated out and will likely be changed by Asif, who will make his Check debut.
The 38-year-old left-arm spinner has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at a median of 25.49. He will likely be partnered by the skilled Nauman Ali, aged 39, who has 83 wickets in 19 Checks at a median of 24.75.
Within the fast-bowling division, Shaheen Shah Afridi is more likely to make his return to the Check facet after a yr. The left-arm pacer has 116 wickets in 31 Checks and can share the brand new ball with Hasan Ali, who has 80 wickets in 24 Checks and final performed a Check in January 2024 towards Australia in Sydney.
Left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq, who final represented Pakistan within the longest format of the sport in December 2023, can also be anticipated to make a return to the taking part in XI.
South Africa are touring Pakistan for collection in all codecs of the sport. The primary Check is scheduled from October 12 to 16 on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, whereas the second Check will likely be performed on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.
Pakistan’s possible taking part in XI for first Check
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.
