Pakistan is set to begin a fresh journey in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 with an exciting home series against South Africa. The campaign will officially start on 12 October 2025, when Pakistan faces the defending champions, South Africa, in a two-Test series. The opening Test match will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 12 to 16 October. This will also be a historic moment for Lahore fans, as it will be the first five-day Test at the Gaddafi Stadium after its complete renovation earlier this year. The stadium was specially upgraded to host major international events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The second Test match is scheduled for 20 to 24 October at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Cricket fans will be eager for this clash, as it marks South Africa’s first Test tour of Pakistan since January 2021. On that visit, the Proteas suffered a 2-0 series defeat at the hands of the hosts, and they will now be determined to turn things around.
After the two Test matches, the focus will shift to the shorter formats. Pakistan and South Africa will compete in a three-match T20 International series from 28 October to 1 November. The opening T20I will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the next two games will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. These matches are expected to attract packed crowds, as T20 cricket remains hugely popular among Pakistani fans.
The tour will then conclude with an exciting three-match ODI series from 4 to 8 November at the historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. This is a very special moment for Faisalabad’s cricket lovers because the city will be hosting an ODI after 17 long years. The last ODI played at the ground was on 11 April 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets. The return of international cricket to Faisalabad is expected to bring back golden memories for fans in the region.
PCB’s Statement
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, expressed his excitement about hosting South Africa for this important series. He said:
“We are thrilled to welcome South Africa for the opening series of our ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Starting the new cycle against the reigning Test champions will not only test our players but also provide top-quality cricket for fans in Pakistan.”
He further highlighted the significance of bringing ODI cricket back to Faisalabad:
“The return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years is a special moment. Iqbal Stadium has a proud history in Pakistan cricket, and we are delighted to see international cricket return to this iconic venue.”
Full Schedule of South Africa Tour to Pakistan 2025
- 12–16 October – First Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 20–24 October – Second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- 28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- 31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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