South Africa’s cricket star Quinton de Kock has announced a return from retirement to feature in both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who had retired from 50-over cricket after the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, will also rejoin the T20I setup for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India in Barbados.De Kock’s recall is part of a broader squad announcement for South Africa’s all-format tour of Pakistan, which begins with a two-match Test series from 12 to 24 October in Lahore and Rawalpindi. With Test captain Temba Bavuma sidelined due to a left calf strain, Aiden Markram will lead the team in his absence.De Kock’s decision to return reflects his continued desire to represent the Proteas. “When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear he still has a strong ambition to play for his country,” said South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad. “Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team.”Proteas squads: 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 VerreynneODI 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 QeshileT20I squad vs PakistanDavid 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 WilliamsT20I 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 WilliamsPakistan Tour Schedule:Test Series 1st Test – 12-16 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 2nd Test – 20-24 October, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiT20I Series 1st T20I – 28 October, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 2nd T20I – 31 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 3rd T20I – 1 November, Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreODI Series 1st ODI – 4 November, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad 2nd ODI – 6 November, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad 3rd ODI – 8 November, Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadT20I vs Namibia 11 October, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
