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ISLAMABAD: The national men’s cricket teams of South Africa and Pakistan arrived in the eastern city of Faisalabad on Sunday, as it gears up to host the first One Day International fixture in over 17 years. 

South Africa arrived in Pakistan last month and played a two-match Test series with the hosts that they tied 1-1. Pakistan went on to win the three-match T20I series against the Proteas 2-1 this week. 

The visitors will now play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan from Nov. 4-8 at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium to conclude the tour. 

“The Pakistan and South Africa teams have arrived in Faisalabad,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. 

“The South Africa team will practice tomorrow [Monday] from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, while the Pakistan team will hold their practice session tomorrow [Monday] evening at 6:00 pm,” it added.

Pakistan last played an ODI in Faisalabad in April 2008, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets. 

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed last month said the return of Faisalabad as a cricket venue would be a “special moment.”

“Iqbal Stadium holds a proud place in our cricketing history and we are excited to bring international cricket back to this part of the country,” he said. 

SCHEDULE

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Qatari education officials discussed ways to promote digital education and increase collaboration in education through joint research, training and exchange programs, state media reported on Sunday. 

Pakistan’s State Minister for Education Wajiha Qamar and Qatar’s Education Minister Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater met on the sidelines of UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference session, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

UNESCO’s General Conference kicked off Oct. 30 and is slated to continue till Nov. 13. The conference features education representatives from all over the world, who gather in one place for the conference, to determine the organization’s vision and general policy.

During their meeting, the Pakistani official and her Qatari counterpart greed to boost educational collaboration and innovative learning practices.

“Both sides discussed initiatives to promote digital education and enhance collaboration in joint research, training and exchange programs,” Radio Pakistan said. 

Qamar spoke of Pakistan’s commitment to foster partnerships in supporting inclusive, technology-driven and skill-oriented education, the state media reported. 

Al-Khater expressed her readiness to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, Radio Pakistan said. 

Pakistan shares cordial ties with Qatar rooted in economic cooperation, defense, shared values, faith and culture. Qatar hosts a large Pakistani workforce and this month facilitated dialogue that resulted in a ceasefire with Afghanistan after border skirmishes.