PCB reveals schedule for South Africa series in Pakistan
Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam celebrate wildly after Temba Bavuma is run out during their ODI tri-series match. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan will kick off their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign at home against South Africa, with the tour set to feature two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs from October 12 to November 8.
Acording to PCB press release, the opening Test will be staged at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, marking the venue’s first five-day international since its complete renovation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The second Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. This will also be South Africa’s first red-ball series in Pakistan since January 2021, when the hosts secured a 2–0 clean sweep.
Following the Tests, the teams will turn their focus to the shortest format, with a three-match T20I series running from October 28 to November 1. Rawalpindi will host the opener, while Lahore will stage the remaining two fixtures.
The ODI series, to be held from November 4 to 8, will bring international cricket back to Faisalabad after a 17-year wait. Iqbal Stadium last hosted a one-day international in April 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said starting the new WTC cycle against the defending champions would ensure top-quality cricket for players and fans, while also highlighting the historic return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad.
"Starting the new cycle against the current Test champions will provide quality cricket for our players and fans. The return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years is 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.
South Africa tour to Pakistan complete schedule:
- 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