Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 20-member squad, including nine uncapped players, for the Test series, which commences on January 26. Pakistan's senior batsman, Azhar Ali, has made an appeal to the young players in the squad to erase all their insecurities and perform openly in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

"International cricket is always a challenge. Even if you play as a youngster or up there for long, pressure will remain forever,But obviously for a new player it is a challenge to handle pressure and then there are insecurities in our culture around what if they are dropped," captain said.

Azhar advised the youngsters to trust their skills and do what they are good at, "Obviously we understand that there is a big difference between international and domestic cricket which makes them a bit insecure. But as a senior player, my advice to them is to trust their skills and stick with what they are doing to do well," said Azhar.

"Because that is what is going to give them the best chance to perform. If you think too much that will bring negativity and hold you from doing well. So be positive and grab the opportunity," he said.

Pakistan's 14-year wait is coming to an end with the start of the first Test in Karachi on January 26. Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns in two Tests and three T20 matches on the tour. South Africa who last visited Pakistan in 2007 had won the two-Test series 1-0.