Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has once again taken center stage, this time offering a morale-boosting pep talk to the national cricket team ahead of their crucial Test series against South Africa. The visit, which took place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, underscores Naqvi's hands-on approach and his commitment to revitalizing Pakistan cricket.
Naqvi, accompanied by Director of High-Performance Centre Aqib Javed, met with the players and coaching staff, including captain Shan Masood, to discuss preparations and boost morale ahead of the two-match series that begins on October 12. He also greeted mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, adding a personal touch to the visit.
The PCB chairman emphasized the importance of unity and preparation, expressing his full support for the team's efforts in the upcoming series. In a prior meeting on September 23, Naqvi conveyed the same message to Test captain Shan Masood and interim head coach Azhar Mahmood. Naqvi said to Masood and Mahmood, "My full support is with you for the Test series against South Africa".
This series marks the beginning of a new cycle in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 for Pakistan. Pakistan finished at the bottom of the previous WTC cycle, winning only five of 14 matches. Recognizing the need for a fresh start, the team is aiming to make a strong comeback.
South Africa, on the other hand, arrives in Pakistan as the defending champions of the WTC. They secured the top spot in the previous cycle and will be looking to defend their title. This series will be South Africa's first Test series in Pakistan since January 2021, when Pakistan won 2-0.
The two-match Test series is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 24, with the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the second at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Following the Test series, Pakistan and South Africa will compete in a three-match T20I series from October 28 to November 1, and a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8.
Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 30 times in Test matches. Pakistan has won six matches, while South Africa has won 17, with seven ending in draws.
The Pakistan squad includes Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. South Africa will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, with Aiden Markram leading the team. The South Africa squad includes Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Zubayr Hamza, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verrynne, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Simon Harmar and Keshiv Maharaj (available for only second Test).
Naqvi's recent actions, including the Asia Cup trophy controversy where he reportedly locked away the trophy in the ACC office after India's win, have kept him in the news. Despite the criticism, Naqvi remains focused on his role as PCB chairman and his commitment to improving Pakistan cricket.
