Interim white-ball head coach Aaqib Javed has clarified the reasons behind the omission of several star players from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.

In a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed noted that the decision to exclude Sajid Khan, who recently took 19 wickets in a Test series against England, was particularly challenging.

However, the selection committee chose Mohammad Abbas instead, citing the pace-friendly conditions expected in Centurion and Cape Town.

Javed also addressed the absence of key players such as Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman. Afridi’s exclusion was described as a strategic move to keep him fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while Zaman was left out due to concerns over his form and match fitness.

The focus of the squad selection is to maintain consistency in the ODI lineup as preparations intensify for the Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan in early 2025.

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Javed emphasized the importance of blending experienced players with emerging talent in the T20I series, while ensuring the Test squad is well-equipped to handle South Africa’s competitive conditions.

“We are confident in our team’s ability to secure a historic series win in South Africa and aim to build momentum leading into the Champions Trophy,” Javed concluded.