South Africa to tour Pakistan after 14 years, Graeme Smith thanks PCB for hospitality

On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that its team will tour Pakistan for the first time since 2007 for two Tests and three T20Is  which will be played in 2021. In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was revealed that Mark Boucher's men will arrive in Karachi on January 16 and play the first Test at the National Stadium in Karachi from January 26-30. CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith described the Proteas' visit of Pakistan "a historical tour", and also spoke of the fanbase the team has in Pakistan.

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The last time South Africa toured Pakistan was in 2007, 14 years ago, when they won the Karachi Test by 160 runs to clinch the series 1-0. The subsequent series in 2010 and 2013 were played in the United Arab Emirates. The two teams have played 11 Test series since 1995 with South Africa winning seven and Pakistan coming out victorious just once, in 2003.

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Graeme Smith claims South Africa's visit to Pakistan will be a "historical tour"

In a press conference after the tour was confirmed, Graeme Smith said, "It’s pleasing to see so many countries making a return to Pakistan, a proud, cricket-loving nation. This will be a historical tour" The former South Africa captain added, "I would also like to thank the PCB for the hospitality and transparency they showed our security contingent when they travelled over there a few weeks ago".

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Pakistan captain Babar Azam also revealed that he was glad to have South Africa touring Pakistan after 14 years. "I am delighted that South Africa have confirmed their tour to Pakistan and now look forward to captaining my country for the first time in a home Test at a venue where we recently won our maiden HBL Pakistan Super League title".

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Pakistan vs South Africa 2021: Schedule for two Tests and three T20Is

The first Test between the two teams will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from January 26-30. The second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4-8. South Africa are currently in sixth place in the ICC Test team rankings, while Pakistan are in seventh.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium will be the venue of the three T20Is, which are scheduled for February 11, 13 and 14.

Image Credits - Cricket South Africa Twitter