FAISALABAD (Kashmir English): All is set for Pakistan-South Africa three-match One-Day International (ODI) series beginning in Faisalabad today.
The matches will be played between November 4 and November 8, 2025. International cricket is also returning to Faisalabad for the first time in 17 years with this series.
Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is aiming for a strong performance in his debut series, which begins today (Tuesday) against South Africa.
“It is a great honour for me to lead the country,” the 25-year-old said in a pre-match press conference. It is to mention here that Afridi’s first stint as T20I captain ended after a 4-1 defeat in New Zealand last year.
When asked about being handed the ODI captaincy following his previous stint as T20I skipper, Afridi replied, “Our job is to serve Pakistan cricket and fulfil whatever role we’re given. Leadership appointments are the management’s decisions, and we respect that. My focus right now is on improving our one-day cricket and leading the team from the front”.
South Africa will be without their injured regular skipper ,Temba Bavuma, and seven key players, including the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who are rested.
The captaincy is entrusted to newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who hit the highest-ever score of 150 on ODI debut, which came against New Zealand in Lahore earlier this year.
International cricket returns to Faisalabad
With the ODI series commencing today at the Iqbal Stadium, international cricket is making a return to Faisalabad after 17 years. The remaining matches will be played on 6 and 8 November also at the same venue.
The last international match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad was played on 11 April 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in an ODI by seven wickets.
The venue has hosted 16 ODIs to date, including four World Cup matches – one in 1987 and three in 1996.
Pakistan have played 12 ODIs at the historic venue, winning nine and losing three.
In Faisalabad, Pakistan and South Africa contested in three ODIs with Pakistan winning on two occasions (1994 and 2007), and South Africa securing victory in one game (2003).
Schedule for the Pakistan-South Africa ODI series
Match Date Venue
1st ODI November 4, 2025 Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
2nd ODI November 6, 2025 Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
3rd ODI November 8, 2025 Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
