‘Wish we could get out of hotel’ - South Africa’s Maharaj keen to explore Pakistani culture

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed his desire to explore Karachi and the Pakistani culture, lamenting the strict security protocols that have confined players to their hotels during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.

“I wish we could get out of the hotel,” Maharaj toldNukta after South Africa’s dominant seven-wicket win over England on Saturday in Karachi.

"As cricketers, we are very fortunate and blessed to do something we love and experience the world.”

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj and Ryan Rickelton in action against England in KarachiReuters

The left-arm spinner said that experiencing different cultures is always special and hoped that future tours will allow the teams to experience more than just cricket in the country.

“Hopefully in years to come, we can get out and experience Karachi and the Pakistani culture,” Maharaj said when asked about one thing he would like to change about his time in the country.

Security restrictions

While Pakistan has successfully hosted international cricket in recent years, visiting teams remain under stringent security arrangements, limiting their ability to venture outside team hotels.

The South African squad, like other touring sides, is confined to a strict security bubble, with movement restricted to match venues and training sessions.

Security measures have been heightened following past incidents, and authorities continue to ensure that teams remain in a controlled environment to mitigate risks. While the arrangements ensure a secure playing environment, it also restricts the players to explore the host country beyond their cricketing commitments.

Opponent irrelevant

With South Africa securing their place in the knockout stage for the third consecutive ICC event, Maharaj made it clear that the team is not concerned about who they face in the semi-finals.

"It doesn’t really matter to me where we play or who we face," Maharaj said. "We just want to turn up on the day, execute our skills, and come out on the right side of things."

South Africa will face New Zealand in the second semi-final in Lahore, however, their opponent was not decided at the time of the interview. The fixture was finalized on Sunday after India defeated the Kiwis by 44 runs to top Group A.

India's Ravindra Jadeja celebrates with teammates after taking the LBW wicket of New Zealand's Tom LathamReuters

The Dubai-based side will face long-time rivals Australia in the first semi-final at the same venue on Tuesday.

Overcoming the ‘choke’

Unlike the ICC cricket world cups, South Africa has one Champions Trophy title to their name, a win that came 27 years ago though.

For Maharaj and his teammates, the goal remains the same; breaking South Africa’s long-standing ICC knockout jinx.

“Previous generations have not been able to make back-to-back semi-finals, so we take a lot of positive energy from that. Hopefully, we can go one step further this time,” he said.

As South Africa prepares for their high-stakes showdown with New Zealand in Lahore, Maharaj and co remain focused on their goal of clinching their first ICC title, hoping to break past barriers and finally lift a major trophy.