Faisalabad Hosts Pakistan-South Africa ODIs After Long Gap

International cricket is returning to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years with a three-match ODI series. Pakistan will face South Africa starting Tuesday. Faisalabad last hosted an international match in 2008, when Pakistan played Bangladesh.

The city missed out on hosting matches after Pakistan’s six-year cricket exile following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. During this period, Pakistan played most matches in the UAE. Gradually, international cricket returned to Pakistan from 2015 onwards.

Pakistan’s ODI skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi praised the decision to host games in Faisalabad. He called it a special occasion for local fans. Shaheen admitted captaincy is a big responsibility but said it is an honor to lead the national team.

Pakistan will field a full-strength squad, including Shaheen, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan. South Africa, however, will be without regular skipper Temba Bavuma and seven other key players due to injury and rest.

Despite the absences, South Africa’s captain Matthew Breetzke expressed confidence in his team’s younger players. Quinton de Kock will return to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement. The remaining two matches will be played on Thursday and Saturday in Faisalabad.

Read More : Traffic Plan Set for Pakistan-South Africa Matches

Rawalpindi traffic authorities have put together a detailed traffic management strategy to ensure smooth movement during the upcoming Pakistan vs South Africa cricket matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The plan will be active from October 20 to 24.

According to traffic police officials, over 367 personnel will be deployed throughout the event to manage the crowds and vehihttps://365news.pk/traffic-plan-issued-for-pakistan-vs-south-africa-matches/cular flow. To accommodate the arrival and departure of teams, several road closures and diversions have been arranged.

Vehicles traveling from Islamabad towards Rawalpindi will be redirected to the Expressway via Faizabad, while traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will take an alternate route through Sixth Road and Saidpur.