Faisalabad, November 4, 2025: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has celebrated the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after a 17-year hiatus, as Pakistan take on South Africa in the opening One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium.
Taking to social media platform X, Naqvi expressed his delight over Faisalabad’s long-awaited return to the international cricket map.
“After 17 long years, international cricket finally returns to Faisalabad,” Naqvi wrote.
“Delighted to see the excitement as Pakistan and South Africa begin the ODI series here in Pakistan’s own ‘Manchester.’ The passion of Faisalabad’s people for cricket is truly unmatched. Insha’Allah, Faisalabad will continue to host international matches in the future.”
The ongoing series marks a significant milestone, as Faisalabad last hosted an ODI on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets at the same venue.
All three matches of the series are scheduled to be played at the Iqbal Stadium, with the remaining ODIs taking place on November 6 and 8.
The series follows an exciting run of contests between Pakistan and South Africa, including a 1-1 draw in the Test series and a 2-1 victory for Pakistan in the T20Is, highlighted by a match-winning innings from skipper Babar Azam in Lahore on Saturday.
Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 87 times in ODIs — Pakistan have won 34, South Africa 52, while one match ended without a result.
In Faisalabad, the two sides have met three times before — Pakistan emerged victorious in 1994 and 2007, while South Africa won in 2003.
When this report was filed, South Africa, batting first, were 23 for no loss after five overs, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius on 16 and Quinton de Kock on 7 at the crease.
