Pakistan will kick off their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign by hosting South Africa for a full tour in October and November this year, marking a high-profile start against the reigning Test champions.
The series begins with a two-match Test series, starting 12–16 October at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host its first five-day game since undergoing a major renovation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The second Test will be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20–24 October.
This will be South Africa’s first Test tour of Pakistan since January 2021, when Pakistan sealed a 2-0 victory over the Proteas.
Following the Tests, the two teams will clash in a three-match T20I series from 28 October to 1 November. The opening game will be held in Rawalpindi, with the next two matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The tour will conclude with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from 4–8 November, bringing 50-over cricket back to the iconic venue after 17 years. Pakistan last played an ODI there on 11 April 2008, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets.
PCB COO Sumair Ahmed Syed welcomed the tour, saying:
“We are looking forward to hosting South Africa for the opening series of our World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Starting against the current Test champions will bring quality cricket for both players and fans. The return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years is a special moment, as Iqbal Stadium holds a proud place in Pakistan’s cricket history.”
South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 – Full Schedule:
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12–16 October — 1st Test, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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20–24 October — 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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28 October — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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31 October — 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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1 November — 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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4 November — 1st ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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6 November — 2nd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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8 November — 3rd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
The series promises to deliver top-class cricket while marking several historic milestones, including the return of ODIs to Faisalabad.