Faisalabad stages international cricket after 17 years for Pakistan-South Africa ODIs

FAISALABAD, Pakistan (AP) — International cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years when new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan in three matches against an under-strength South Africa from Tuesday.

Iqbal Stadium last hosted an ODI in 2008, before the terrorist attack on Sri Lanka's team bus the following year forced Pakistan to play home matches in the United Arab Emirates for six years.

Since international cricket gradually returned to Pakistan in 2015, major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan have hosted foreign teams. But Faisalabad was overlooked due to the lack of proper facilities, which have improved over the last couple of years.

“It is exciting to see international cricket return to Faisalabad,” Afridi said on Monday. “The team played good cricket in the T20 series and we aim to carry that momentum into the ODIs.”

Pakistan drew the test series against South Africa 1-1, and defeated the Proteas in the T20s 2-1 after winning back-to-back matches in Lahore.

Pakistan hasn’t impressed in ODIs this year, which led to Afridi replacing Mohammad Rizwan as the skipper. Pakistan lost the triangular series final to New Zealand, missed the semifinals of the Champions Trophy it hosted, and lost in the West Indies 2-1.

Afridi led Pakistan in a T20 series against New Zealand last year but was sacked after losing to the Black Caps 4-1.

“Our job is to ... fulfil the responsibility given to us,” Afridi said. “We respect the decision of the (Pakistan Cricket Board) and now it’s up to me to lead from the front in the ODIs.”

Pakistan has a full-strength squad with Afridi complemented by fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Also, T20 captain Fakhar Zaman returns along with Babar Azam, who scored a match-winning 68 in the final T20 on Saturday.

South Africa was without injured captain Temba Bavuma and seven other front-line white-ball players.

The stand-in skipper was Matthew Breetzke, who made a stunning ODI debut during the triangular series in Pakistan when he scored 150 against New Zealand in Lahore.

Quinton de Kock has reversed his 2023 ODI retirement and Tony de Zorzi was their only century-maker during the test series in Pakistan.

“We are lacking the core group of ODI players that we usually have,” Breetzke said. “It offers opportunity for the younger guys to step up.”

The other two ODIs will also be in Faisalabad on Thursday and Saturday.

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South Africa's Mathew Breetzke, top center, attends a practice session, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

South Africa's Nandre Burger, left, and teammates warm up before a practice session, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

South Africa's players attend a practice session in Iqbal Cricket Stadium, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

South Africa's players attend a practice session in Iqbal Cricket Stadium, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

MONACO (AP) — Ferrari says team principal Fred Vasseur is “under observation at a local medical facility” and will not be at the track for Monaco Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.

The Italian team did not specify any details of the 58-year-old French racing executive's condition.

"Fred Vasseur will not be present at the circuit today. Following some medical checks, Fred will remain under observation at a local medical facility," Ferrari said.

“No further medical information will be provided. We wish Fred a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back at the track soon.”

Vasseur has led Ferrari's Formula 1 team since 2023 and was handed a multi-year contract extension last year.

Ferrari is a strong contender for what would be its first win of the year in Monaco after drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton led Friday's practice sessions.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

FILE -Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur oversees the operation of his team during the first practice session of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File)