The wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock, who announced his ODI retirement e has reversed his decision and has been named in the South Africa squad for the white-ball series against Pakistan.
Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of South Africa’s tests against Pakistan with a calf strain, which he sustained the injury on the white-ball series against England.
It is reported that he needs six to eight weeks of recovery, and Aiden Markram will be captaining the side in his absence.
“Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November,” head coach Shukri Conrad said.
“Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed.
Meanwhile, offspinner Simon Harmer has also been recalled to the South Africa squad, who played his last test in March 2023.
He will be joining Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen in the spin department. Meanwhile Keshav Maharaj will be available for the second test suffering a groin strain in England.
The South African Men’s selection panel has named the squads for the upcoming all-format tour of Pakistan as well as the one-off T20 International (T20I) against Namibia.
The Proteas will begin their defence of the ICC World Test Championship Mace with a two-match Test series… pic.twitter.com/0jOOgSpsCv
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 22, 2025
“At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I’m confident they will embrace the challenge,” added Shukri Conrad.
“Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour, and with spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department,” added Conrad.
Meanwhile, wk-batter Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket and returns to both ODI and T20I squads against Pakistan.
De Kock last played for South Africa at the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. South Africa has opted to rest their all format players, except Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis for the white-ball leg of the Pakistan tour.
Meanwhile David Miller will captain the T20I squad while Matthew Breetzke will be leading the ODI squad.
However, Donovan Ferreira will be leading the South Africa squad for Namibia T20Is which includes de Kock, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
“Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he’ll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game,” added Shukri Conrad.
“During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan’s maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad,” he addded.
“His appointment as captain for the T20I against Namibia presents an exciting challenge, one that I believe will only enhance his development as a cricketer,” concluded Conrad.
Rivaldo Moonsamy has earned a maiden call for South Africa squad for Namibia T20Is.
South Africa Squad for Pakistan Tests: Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne
South Africa Squad for Pakistan ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile
South Africa Squad for Pakistan T20Is: David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
South Africa Squad for Namibia T20Is: Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams
