Following the disappointment in the Asia Cup, Pakistan aims for a fresh start in the impending Test series against South Africa. The Asian giants are set to host the World Test Champions in a two-match Test series, starting on Sunday, October 12, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Ahead of the first Test, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium to meet the players and give them a pep talk. He was accompanied by the Director of High-Performance Centre, Aqib Javed.
Naqvi was also seen greeting spinner Abrar Ahmed, who recently tied the knot in Karachi, as well as the members of the South Africa team management.
The timing of this visit holds particular significance. Shan Masood's men finished at the foot of the previous WTC cycle with just five wins from 14 matches and a PCT of 27.98. Recently, the team suffered a loss against their arch-rivals, India, in the final of the Asia Cup 2025. Notably, Pakistan were beaten in all three of their meetings against the Men in Blue in the continental competition.
Pakistan will look to start their WTC 2025-2027 cycle strongly after losing to the West Indies by 120 runs in January in Multan in their previous appearance in the red-ball format.
“My full support is with you for the Test series against South Africa,” Naqvi told the leadership group, emphasising the administration’s confidence in the team.
It remains to be seen whether Naqvi's pep talk and assurance that Masood and Azhar Mahmood will have operational autonomy regarding the Test team translates into positive results. However, it goes without saying that doing well against a strong team like South Africa will help Pakistan regain their mojo after a string of disappointing results in recent times.
Naqvi has been in the spotlight ever since he left with the Asia Cup trophy after the Indian players refused to receive the coveted silverware from him after the final. According to reports, he has locked the trophy inside the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai and mentioned that it should not be handed to anyone without his approval.
