PCB Finalises Venues for Pakistan vs South Africa Cricket Series

The venues for the much-awaited cricket series between Pakistan and South Africa have now been finalized, according to reliable sources on Saturday. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans, as the series promises to bring world-class cricket action to Pakistan once again.

As per the details, the matches will be hosted across three major cities: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to release the official schedule soon. These cities were carefully selected after thorough inspection by a delegation from Cricket South Africa (CSA), which reviewed the facilities and security arrangements before giving their approval.

The series carries special significance for Faisalabad, as the city is set to host international cricket after a long gap of 17 years. The last time international cricket was played there was back in 2008. The return of cricket to Faisalabad will not only boost the city’s reputation but will also give fans in the region a chance to witness high-level matches live in their hometown. The white-ball matches, including ODIs and T20Is, are scheduled to be staged at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Meanwhile, the Test matches will take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi. According to sources, South Africa’s Test squad will arrive in Lahore during the first week of October to prepare for the series. The first Test match will begin on October 12 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, while the second Test is set for October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

This Test series is not just another bilateral contest—it will officially kick off Pakistan’s journey in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. Performances in this series will play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s standing in the championship, making every match highly important.

In addition to the two Test matches, the tour will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is, all of which will be hosted in Faisalabad. This gives fans in Punjab a rare opportunity to see their favorite stars in both red-ball and white-ball formats within a single tour.

Interestingly, this is not the only South African team making a trip to Pakistan this year. Earlier, the South African women’s team was scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in Pakistan, further strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations.

It is also worth remembering that the Proteas last visited Pakistan in January–February 2021, under the captaincy of Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. That tour proved to be a successful one for Pakistan, as they won both Test matches and also claimed the T20I series 2–1.

On the global stage, South Africa has been facing some ups and downs. Earlier this year, the team was eliminated by New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, ending their campaign on a disappointing note. This upcoming tour of Pakistan now gives the Proteas a chance to regroup, rebuild, and test their skills against a tough opponent in challenging conditions.

READ MORE: Babar Azam to Join Pakistan Red-Ball Training Camp at NCA Lahore