Pakistan are set to launch their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 journey with a highly anticipated two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning on 12 October in Lahore.
This will be South Africa’s first red-ball assignment in Pakistan since 2021, when the hosts, under the leadership of Babar Azam, sealed a memorable 2-0 victory.
The upcoming series carries extra significance, not only because it marks Pakistan’s entry into the new World Test Championship cycle, but also because it rekindles one of cricket’s oldest rivalries in Asian conditions. Fans will be eager to see if South Africa can adapt better this time around, or if Pakistan will once again dominate at home.
Following the Tests, the two sides will switch to limited-overs formats. A three-match T20I series will be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, followed by a historic return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad. The Iqbal Stadium will host the 50-over matches, bringing back memories after a long gap of 17 years. The last ODI staged there was against Bangladesh in April 2008, making the occasion a proud one for cricket supporters in the region.
Commenting on the series announcement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said: “We are thrilled to host South Africa for the opening series of our World Test Championship campaign. The return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad is particularly special, as Iqbal Stadium has a cherished place in Pakistan’s cricketing history.”
Pakistan v South Africa Full Schedule
• First Test: 12–16 October, Lahore
• Second Test: 20–24 October, Rawalpindi
• First T20I: 28 October, Rawalpindi
• Second T20I: 31 October, Lahore
• Third T20I: 1 November, Lahore
• First ODI: 4 November, Faisalabad
• Second ODI: 6 November, Faisalabad
• Third ODI: 8 November, Faisalabad