South Africa announce tour of Pakistan in early 2021

Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore are set to host South Africa between 26 January and 14 February 2021. The series marks the first time South Africa are touring Pakistan since 2007.

The Proteas are set to arrive in Pakistan on 16 January and will go into quarantine before training. They will play intra-squad games before the first Test begins in Karachi on 26 January. The Test series will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship. The three T20Is will be played in Lahore and will be South Africa’s first-ever T20I series in Pakistan. 

Pakistan has hosted three other teams in recent times with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe all touring the country. “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.”

PCB Director, Zakir Khan commented: “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.

“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.

“As has been the case in the ongoing season, we will leave no stone unturned in the health and safety of South Africa and Pakistan sides so that players from both sides can play their best cricket in the Test and T20I series, and entertain the fans across the globe with their skills.”

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
Source - https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1931396