Cricket returned to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years as Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, faced South Africa in the first ODI of a three-match series on Tuesday. The city last hosted an international game in 2008, and the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands to witness the long-awaited comeback of international cricket.
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Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first, marking a symbolic moment for both Shaheen and the historic venue. The stadium’s recent upgrades have brought it back to international standards after years of absence from the cricketing map. The return also reflects Pakistan’s growing success in restoring international cricket at home, following years of exile after the 2009 Lahore attack.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Shaheen expressed his pride in leading the team during such a special occasion. “It’s an honour to captain Pakistan,” he said. “The responsibility is big, but I’ll try to give my best. It’s also great to see Faisalabad hosting again — the fans here truly deserve it.”
Shaheen’s leadership marks a new chapter following Pakistan’s mixed results under Mohammad Rizwan. The young left-arm pacer’s energy and determination have already inspired confidence among fans and teammates alike. He also voiced strong support for Babar Azam, who recently found his form during Pakistan’s 2-1 T20I series win over South Africa.
“Every player goes through ups and downs,” Shaheen said. “Babar has been Pakistan’s top performer for years and his last innings showed he’s back in rhythm. He’s the kind of player who inspires others to perform.” Babar’s calm innings in the final T20I, paired with Shaheen’s fierce bowling, led Pakistan to a decisive four-wicket win, setting the tone for the ODI series.
Shaheen emphasized that his approach as captain will be simple — lead from the front. “When senior players perform, the team wins. That’s always been the key,” he said confidently.
Pakistan entered the match with a full-strength squad featuring key players like Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam. South Africa, on the other hand, fielded a younger side missing several regulars, including captain Temba Bavuma, and fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, all of whom were rested.
Adding to their challenges, rising star Dewald Brevis was ruled out just hours before the game due to a shoulder strain suffered in the last T20I. With Bavuma absent, Matthew Breetzke stepped in as captain, expressing optimism about giving younger players a platform to prove themselves. “We’re missing a few senior players, but this is a great chance for the new guys to step up,” Breetzke said.
The match also featured a special moment for fans of Quinton de Kock, who returned to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement. His presence added strength to the visiting squad as both teams aimed to set the tone for the series.
The excitement in Faisalabad was unmatched, with the crowd’s passion reflecting how deeply cricket runs in Pakistan’s culture. For Shaheen Afridi, the night was more than just his first ODI as full-time captain — it was a symbol of leadership, pride, and the revival of a city’s cricketing spirit.
The remaining ODIs of the series will be played on Thursday and Saturday, both at Iqbal Stadium, as Faisalabad reclaims its place on Pakistan’s cricketing map.
