Proteas arrive in Pakistan for first cricket tour in 14 years

South Africa cricket team arrived in Karachi to play two Tests and three T20 internationals on their first tour of Pakistan in 14 years.

The Proteas had last visited Pakistan in 2007 when they played five ODIs and Tests.

The South African squad members reached Karachi via a chartered flight and will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, those who returned with the first negative tests would be allowed to resume training.

“The South African team will be training at the Karachi Gymkhana cricket ground from January 17-22 in a biosecure bubble before moving to National Stadium for a full-fledge training session,” said the official.

The visitors will also play a two-day intra-squad warm-up match during the training period at the Gymkhana ground.

Pakistan and South Africa will play the first Test in Karachi from January 26.

A warm welcome to team @OfficialCSA!#PAKvSA #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/ApdnPYfazk

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 16, 2021

The South African squad, along with Pakistani cricketers, will undergo another round of COVID-19 testing before the first Test — scheduled to start from January 26 at the National Stadium.

South Africa’s 21-men Test squad:

Quinton de Kock (c), Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Tabraiz Shamsi, George Linde, Daryn Dupavillon and Marco Jansen.

Furthermore, CSA will name its T20 squad later, while the 20-over match specialists are due to arrive in Pakistan on February 3.