Reports: South Africa to tour Pakistan for three T20Is in March

At a time when Pakistan are desperately trying to convince international teams to visit them, South Africa are reportedly considering the prospect of a short tour to the Asian country. After playing their home games in UAE for nearly a decade in the wake of the attack on Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, Pakistan finally look set to resume international cricket in their own backyard in full flow.

In the last two years, the likes of West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have visited the country. Pakistan recently hosted Bangladesh for a T20I series and will play one more ODI and two Tests against the Tigers. In 2017, they had also hosted a World XI side for a three-match T20I series. And with conditions now looking promising, South Africa might visit Pakistan in March for a T20I series, according to ESPNCricinfo.

If everything goes well, the Proteas might visit Pakistan immediately after their ODIs in India which finish on March 18. According to the report, South Africa will send a security delegation to Pakistan next month, either during the Test against Bangladesh or during the Pakistan Super League to check if the situation is safe.

Sources have confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that a delegation headed by security expert Rory Steyn will travel to Pakistan. The team will then present its findings to the South Africa board. South Africa have not visited Pakistan since 2007. The report also stated that the matches may provide an opportunity for AB de Villiers to get back into the T20I fold.

Praise for security arrangements in Pakistan by BCB chief

Recently, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan praised the security arrangement in Pakistan. He said that the Bangladesh officials are satisfied with the security provided to the players. Bangladesh, however, had a series to forget as they lost the three-match T20I series 3-0.

“It’s impossible to offer more security than what PCB provided us. We’re satisfied with the security. There’s no complaint from any player or coaching staff & there’s no reason to skip the Test series. We are going to play Tests in Pakistan,” Hasaan told the reporters.

Freehit: 20 Questions with Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza