Tri-nation series: Pakistan announces playing XI against South Africa

LAHORE: Pakistan has announced playing XI against South Africa for the tri-nation series being played between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Pakistan has made two changes to the playing XI for the match against South Africa.

The playing XI includes Captain Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir are also part of the squad.

Newly renovated National Stadium Karachi inaugurated with spectacular fireworks

Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah have been included in the national team, along with Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Hasnain.

Saud Shakeel has replaced Kamran Ghulam in the playing XI for the match against South Africa.

The series gives the three teams an opportunity to familiarise themselves with two of the three stadiums that will be used in the upcoming Champions Trophy games taking place in Pakistan.

Earlier, the newly renovated National Stadium Karachi was inaugurated on Tuesday marked by a dazzling fireworks display.

Modern dressing rooms have been built for players and officials, and 350 LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast quality. Additionally, two digital replay screens have been set up, and over 5,000 seats have been added.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that the stadium’s main building was completed in less than four months. He noted that significant progress had been made, though some work remains unfinished.

“Karachi Stadium now meets higher standards than Lahore’s. Many on social media claimed the stadium wouldn’t be completed, but today we have succeeded while they have lost,” Naqvi remarked.

He praised the laborers who worked 14-hour shifts daily without taking leave for two months, calling them the true heroes of the project. “Even the view of Karachi Stadium is better than Lahore’s,” he added.

Naqvi also commended PCB’s team for their relentless efforts. “We should believe in our team. Just as you are brave, our cricket team is brave too. Don’t be disheartened by one or two losses—look at what this team has achieved in recent months.”