The glittering trophy for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa was unveiled on Monday at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of international cricket to the city after 17 years.
The unveiling ceremony saw Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and South African skipper, Matthew Breetzke, jointly reveal the silverware ahead of the series opener on Tuesday, November 4.
The second ODI will be played on November 6, and the third and final match on November 8 — all at the Iqbal Stadium.
The ground last hosted an international match on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan faced Bangladesh in a one-day game.
In total, 16 ODIs have been played at Iqbal Stadium since the 1980s.
Pakistan has featured in 12 of them, winning 9 and losing 3.
South Africa has played 5 ODIs at this venue, winning 2 and losing 3.
This ODI series marks the final leg of South Africa’s ongoing tour of Pakistan.
The Test series ended 1-1, while Pakistan claimed the T20I series 2-1.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan’s ODI side for the first time.
Speaking to the media, he said that captaining Pakistan is a great honour and he will try his best to fulfil this responsibility.
“It’s wonderful to see international cricket returning to Faisalabad after 17 years,” Shaheen said.
“We are optimistic about putting up a strong performance against South Africa. As players, our focus is to give our best and honour the roles assigned to us.”
Commenting on Babar Azam’s form, Shaheen said, “Babar is a world-class player. You can’t judge him by two or three low scores. His innings in the last T20I would have boosted his confidence. Whenever senior players perform, it benefits the whole team.”
Overall, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other in 87 ODIs — Pakistan has won 34, while South Africa has won 52.
Pakistan Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.
