Babar Azam named in 11-man red-ball camp ahead of South Africa Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 11-player red-ball training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, as preparations begin for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa.

The camp will run from September 9 to 28, with all players asked to report by September 8. Interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood will oversee the camp, supported by NCA coaches and staff.

The camp includes former captain Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Salman, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan and Shamyl Hussain.

According to the PCB, only those not currently featuring in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, Pakistan’s top domestic red-ball competition, were considered for the camp. Senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah were unavailable as they are playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.

The three-week camp will focus on skill development and match readiness, with scenario-based practice games designed to replicate real match situations.

South Africa will tour Pakistan next month for a full series of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. According to sources, the opening Test begins in Lahore on October 12, while the second will be played in Rawalpindi from October 20.

The series will also mark the start of Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.