South African cricket fans have reason to celebrate! Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is set to make a highly anticipated return to international cricket, ending his brief retirement to join both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. The dynamic 32-year-old, who previously stepped away from 50-over cricket after the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, will also feature in the T20I format, marking his first appearance since the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India in Barbados.
This exciting recall comes as part of South Africa’s comprehensive squad announcement for their all-format tour of Pakistan. The tour kicks off with a two-match Test series from October 12th to 24th in Lahore and Rawalpindi. In a significant leadership change, Aiden Markram will captain the Test side, stepping in for the injured Temba Bavuma, who is recovering from a left calf strain.
South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed his enthusiasm for de Kock’s return. “When we discussed his future last month, it was clear he still possesses a burning desire to play for his country,” Conrad stated. “His immense talent and experience are well-known, and his presence will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team.”
South Africa Squads for the Pakistan Tour:
Test Squad vs Pakistan:
- Aiden Markram (captain)
- David Bedingham
- Corbin Bosch
- Dewald Brevis
- Tony de Zorzi
- Zubayr Hamza
- Simon Harmer
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj* (second Test only)
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Prenelan Subrayen
- Kyle Verreynne
ODI Squad vs Pakistan:
- Matthew Breetzke (captain)
- Corbin Bosch
- Dewald Brevis
- Nandre Burger
- Gerald Coetzee
- Quinton de Kock
- Tony de Zorzi
- Donovan Ferreira
- Bjorn Fortuin
- George Linde
- Kwena Maphaka
- Lungi Ngidi
- Nqaba Peter
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- Sinethemba Qeshile
T20I Squad vs Pakistan:
- David Miller (captain)
- Quinton de Kock
- Nandre Burger
- Gerald Coetzee
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rubin Hermann
- Kwena Maphaka
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Nqaba Peter
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- Andile Simelane
- Jason Smith
- Lizaad Williams
T20I Squad vs Namibia:
- Donovan Ferreira (captain)
- Quinton de Kock
- Nandre Burger
- Gerald Coetzee
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rubin Hermann
- Kwena Maphaka
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Nqaba Peter
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- Andile Simelane
- Jason Smith
- Lizaad Williams
Full Pakistan Tour Schedule:
Test Series:
- 1st Test – October 12-16, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 2nd Test – October 20-24, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
T20I Series:
- 1st T20I – October 28, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I – October 31, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 3rd T20I – November 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
ODI Series:
- 1st ODI – November 4, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI – November 6, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI – November 8, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Additional T20I vs Namibia:
- October 11, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek