South Africa to tour Pakistan in early 2021
Cricket South Africa confirmed on Wednesday that it’s men’s team will tour Pakistan for a two match test series and three T20Is. South Africa will tour Pakistan after a span of almost 14 years.
South Africa will arrive in Pakistan on January 16 and will go into quarantine, before they resume training. They will play intra-squad matches before the first test match on January 26. The test series will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship, South Africa host Sri Lanka later this month for a two match test series between December 26-January 7, whereas the Pakistani team is on the New Zealand tour.
“It’s pleasing to see so many countries making a return to Pakistan – a proud, cricket-loving nation. Cricket South Africa is delighted to be counted among them. As someone who has toured the country on more than one occasion back in my playing days, I know how much passion the people of Pakistan have for the game as well as the love and support that the Proteas enjoy there as a team,” Graeme Smith, CSA Director of Cricket, said.
“I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the hospitality and transparency they showed our security contingent when they travelled over there a few weeks ago. The report on their findings and recommendations gives us confidence as an organisation that all of our team’s security, playing and accommodation needs will be met and that the well-being of the team will be the top priority. We look forward to embarking on this historical tour.”
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South Africa’s tour good news for Pakistan cricket: PCB Director
Pakistan have hosted three other teams recently which includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.“South Africa confirming a tour to Pakistan and playing matches at the three major centres is fabulous news for Pakistan cricket and its fans. South Africa is one of the most popular sides in Pakistan even though they last played here in 2007, but the fans have been following their performances closely and now look forward to welcoming them,” said PCB Director, Zakir Khan
“2021 promises to be a bumper and most exciting year for Pakistan cricket fans after a very long time. After South Africa, we are scheduled to host New Zealand, England and the West Indies, while our away series are against South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Afghanistan and the West Indies.”
If these high-profile and exciting series are topped up with the Asia Cup 2021 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan cricket fans can brace themselves for an exciting and action-packed year,” Zakir Khan added.
South Africa tour to Pakistan schedule
26-30 January: 1st Test, Karachi
4-8 February: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
11 February: 1st T20I, Lahore
13 February: 2nd T20I, Lahore
14 February: 3rd T20I, Lahore