Key players Rabada, Maharaj, Nortje, Jansen, Shamsi, Miller, and Klaasen are rested for the series.
South Africa is set to rest several of its top players during their upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland in the UAE. This move marks the beginning of their preparation for the Champions Trophy. Regulars like Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will not feature in either the ODI or T20I squads, allowing for new talent to step into the spotlight.
All-rounder Jason Smith, who debuted in T20Is against the West Indies last month, has earned his first ODI call-up, along with leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter, who returns after recovering from a shoulder injury. Another fresh face is 21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Andile Simelane, who has been a part of South Africa's Emerging and 'A' sides. He will feature in both the ODI and T20I squads.
Lungi Ngidi, now recovered from a calf injury, is expected to lead the bowling attack. However, Quinton de Kock, who has yet to confirm his T20I retirement, will not be part of the squads. Meanwhile, Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut against the West Indies, will miss this tour due to his school exams, and Donovan Ferreira has been left out. Matthew Breetzke has been added to the T20I squad.
Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Andile Simelane will play in the ODIs against Afghanistan, while Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton will join for the Ireland ODIs.
Rob Walter, South Africa's white-ball coach, explained that this tour offers a chance to give fringe players and recent standouts an opportunity. "This has been a deliberate move to build a broader pool of players for future ICC tournaments, including the 2027 50-over World Cup," he said.
South Africa ODI Squad vs. Afghanistan
Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqabayomzi Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams
South Africa T20I Squad vs. Ireland
Aiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams
South Africa ODI Squad vs. Ireland
Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqabayomzi Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams