FAISALABAD: International cricket is making a much-anticipated return to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 long years, as Pakistan hosts South Africa for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series starting Tuesday.
The city last witnessed an international match in 2008 when Pakistan faced Bangladesh in an ODI. Following the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan was forced into a six-year isolation, hosting home matches in neutral venues like the UAE. Although international cricket gradually returned to Pakistan after 2015, Faisalabad remained off the map due to outdated facilities. However, in recent years, significant upgrades have been made, paving the way for the city’s revival as an international venue.
Pakistan’s new ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed his excitement ahead of the historic comeback. “It’s a special occasion that Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 years,” Shaheen said on Monday. “It will be good for the fans of the city.”
The ODI series marks the conclusion of South Africa’s tour, which saw both sides draw the two-match Test series 1-1 and Pakistan clinch the T20I series 2-1.
Shaheen acknowledged the weight of his new role, saying, “It is an honour for me to lead the country. Captaincy is a big responsibility.” With Pakistan’s strong lineup featuring Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, the hosts are looking confident.
On the other hand, South Africa will be missing eight key players, including regular captain Temba Bavuma, and pace stars Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, both rested. The side will be led by Matthew Breetzke, who impressed with a record-breaking 150 on ODI debut against New Zealand earlier this year.
Despite missing senior players, Breetzke remains optimistic. “We are missing the core group of ODI players that we usually have but in saying this, there is an opportunity for the younger guys to step up and take the challenge,” he said.
A highlight for South Africa will be the return of Quinton de Kock to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement.
All three ODIs will be played at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, with the remaining matches scheduled for Thursday and Saturday. The series is expected to draw packed crowds and rekindle Faisalabad’s rich cricketing spirit.
