According to a press release issued by the PCB, Babar Azam will lead the national team in the first Test match against South Africa while wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan will be his deputy.

The 17-member squad includes Babar Azam captain, Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Fahim Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Rizwan vice-captains.

In addition, former captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Yasir Shah, Haris Rauf and Hassan Ali are also in the final squad, Shaheen Shah Afridi and fast bowler Tabish Khan are also part of the squad.

According to a press release issued by the PCB, the other three cricketers in the 20-member preliminary squad will continue their practice at the National Stadium along with the national squad.

The first of two Tests between Pakistan and South Africa will be played on January 26 in Karachi.