International cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years
Faisalabad, Pakistan, is set to welcome international cricket again after a 17-year hiatus as the Pakistan national team prepares to host South Africa in a three-match ODI series. Led by new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, the hosts aim to reestablish their home-field advantage and provide fans with another memorable day at the historic Iqbal Stadium.
Shaheen Shah Afridi steps into captaincy
Afridi, renowned for his swing and pace, inherits leadership duties as Pakistan seeks consistency in white-ball cricket. His role extends beyond performance with the ball; he is expected to inspire the bowling unit and set a positive tone for the team in unfamiliar conditions. The series offers Afridi a chance to build confidence ahead of future assignments and to prove that Pakistan can compete at home against strong international opposition.
South Africa arrive with an under-strength squad
South Africa travel with a squad that features several key players missing, creating an opportunity for fringe talents to stake a claim. The visitors will want to maximize the experience gained at Iqbal Stadium, a venue with a rich cricketing history but with a reputation for fostering challenging conditions for visiting teams. For South Africa, the series is about testing depth and rotations while maintaining competitive intensity across all three matches.
Anticipation among fans and locals
Cricket fans in Faisalabad, and across Pakistan, have long awaited the return of international cricket to the city. The Iqbal Stadium, a landmark in the region, is expected to be filled with excitement as supporters cheer their team and witness high-quality batting, bowling, and fielding. This series is also a reminder of Pakistan’s ability to host multi-nation events and to bring global sport back to venues outside the major metropolitan hubs.
What this series means for Pakistan cricket
Hosting South Africa provides Pakistan with a valuable home series, enabling the team to sharpen strategic plans, assess player form, and build depth in preparation for future tournaments. The performances in Faisalabad will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike, with particular attention on how Afridi marshals the attack and how the middle order performs under pressure.
Looking ahead
Beyond the immediate series, this return to Faisalabad could pave the way for more international fixtures at other traditional venues in Pakistan. The revival of ODI cricket in Faisalabad is seen as a positive sign for the country’s broader cricketing calendar, potentially attracting sponsorship, investment, and renewed interest in developing local talent.
Key match-ups to watch
Fans should keep an eye on Shaheen Afridi versus South Africa’s top-order batsmen, as well as the pace battery challenging the South African lineup. The health of the surface at Iqbal Stadium and the dew factor could also influence captaincy decisions and the balance between bat and ball across the three games.
