Win Projections to be updated soon
Lahore, 9 October 2025:
Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood says his side is well prepared to face South Africa in the upcoming two-Test series, which begins at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 12. The second Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Both Pakistan and South Africa held three-hour training sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday morning ahead of the first Test.
“First of all, we welcome the South African team,” Azhar said while speaking to the media. “We know their strengths — they are coming here after winning the last Test Championship. Our focus is simple: how to take 20 wickets and how to win a Test match. The surface won’t be like the ones we had against England or West Indies; it will have some spin but not excessive turn.”
Azhar said the start of the new World Test Championship cycle provides Pakistan a fresh opportunity to build consistency at home.
“This is our first Test of the new Championship cycle, and it’s encouraging that most of our players are coming into this series with recent match practice,” he said. “Some played the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, others featured in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, county cricket or the Asia Cup. We have six home Tests this season and like other teams, we want to make the most of our home advantage.”
He added: “The method we adopted last season under Shan Masood worked well for us. If we can win our six home Tests, then we’ll go to Bangladesh and the West Indies in a strong position.”
Regarding team composition, Azhar said the final decision on the playing XI would depend on pitch conditions on match day.
“We’ll decide whether to go with one or two spinners after seeing the pitch on the morning of the Test,” he said. “Rohail Nazir is part of our squad as a backup wicket-keeper. Mohammad Rizwan remains our first-choice keeper and Rohail provides quality support as we saw last season.”
Asked about the selection of spinner Asif Afridi, Azhar defended the decision.
“He’s part of our 16-player squad because of his performances,” Azhar said. “In the last two seasons, he has taken 53 wickets one year and 27 this year. Age is just a number — if you look at South Africa, they also have players aged 37 and 38. What matters is who can take 20 wickets for us. Asif is an experienced bowler and still has a lot to offer.”
The coach also dismissed any talk of overlap with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who is currently in Pakistan ahead of the ODI and T20I series.
“Mike is the white-ball head coach, and I’m leading the red-ball setup. He’s here because the white-ball series will follow soon,” Azhar said. “There’s no issue — we are both working for the same goal, which is to take Pakistan cricket forward. Mike Hesson and I all have the same vision for the team.”
On preparation for South Africa, Azhar said the focus has been on playing quality spin and handling the Proteas’ pace attack.
“We’ve worked on specific technical areas with the players during our eight-day camp,” he said. “We’ve identified areas where each player can improve — how to face bowlers like Rabada and Jansen and how to counter their spinners. Our preparation has been tailored around that.”
He said Pakistan’s focus would be on process and consistency rather than rushing results.
“At the end of the day, you play to win Test matches,” he said. “But you don’t win them on the first day. You have to keep working hard for four or five days. If you win eight or nine sessions in a match, you’re likely to win the Test. Our focus will be on following the process and staying consistent across sessions.”
Azhar also confirmed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the team ahead of the series.
“The chairman always comes before a series to motivate the players and see how preparations are going,” he said. “His presence always boosts the team. He supports the players — even attended Abrar Ahmed’s wedding recently — and that backing means a lot.”
Azhar concluded by saying he is focused solely on the task at hand.
“My job right now is to win these two Tests,” he said. “After that, it’s up to the PCB to decide what happens next. For now, our full focus is on preparing well and playing good cricket.”
