International cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years
Pakistan host South Africa in three-match ODI series at Iqbal Stadium
Faisalabad will once again host international cricket after a 17-year hiatus as Pakistan face South Africa in a three-match One Day International series starting Tuesday, 4 November, at the Iqbal Stadium. The remaining fixtures are scheduled for 6 and 8 November at the same venue, with matches commencing at 3pm following a 2.30pm toss.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement said that the return marks a significant milestone for the historic ground, which last staged an international on 11 April 2008 when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets. Since its inauguration, the Iqbal Stadium has hosted 16 ODIs, including four World Cup matches — one in 1987 and three during the 1996 tournament.
Pakistan have a strong record in Faisalabad, winning nine of 12 ODIs played at the venue. South Africa, by contrast, have featured in five games here, winning two and losing three. Across all ODIs between the sides, Pakistan have secured 34 wins from 87 encounters, while South Africa lead the rivalry with 52 victories. On home soil, Pakistan have won eight of 16 matches against the Proteas.
In Faisalabad specifically, the two teams have met three times, with Pakistan claiming wins in 1994 and 2007, and South Africa emerging victorious in 2003. The new ODI series follows a competitive red- and white-ball campaign, where the two-Test series was drawn 1–1 and Pakistan edged the T20I series 2–1.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan in ODIs for the first time, marking the start of a new era in the limited-overs format. Among the current squad, Babar Azam stands as the most prolific batter with 744 runs in 15 matches, while Shaheen has taken 25 wickets in 13 appearances. Speaking to the media ahead of the opener, Shaheen said it was “exciting to see international cricket return to Faisalabad after 17 years” and that his side aimed to “carry the momentum” from the T20I series into the ODIs.
