South Africa names Pakistan tour squads, Bavuma out, De Kock returns

South Africa will face Pakistan in a two-Test series starting October 12, with captain Temba Bavuma sidelined due to a calf strain sustained during the England tour. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas, while experienced spinner Simon Harmer has been recalled for the first Test, and Keshav Maharaj will be available only for the second Test as he recovers from a groin injury. Quinton de Kock has reversed his ODI retirement to return for the white-ball series, boosting South Africa's batting lineup in both T20 and ODI formats. The white-ball leg of the tour, following the Tests, includes three T20Is and three ODIs, with David Miller leading the T20I side and Matthew Breetzke captaining the ODI team. Several Test players will be rested for the white-ball matches, and the squad includes new call-ups such as Donovan Ferreira, who will captain the T20I against Namibia before the Pakistan tour. Despite injury setbacks, the team is confident, given the experience of many players familiar with subcontinental conditions, as they begin their World Test Championship defense and prepare for the 2027 World Cup co-hosted by South Africa.