PAK vs SA 2025: Pakistan to face South Africa to kickstart WTC 2025-27 cycle at home

Published - 06 Sept 2025, 17:07 IST | Updated - 06 Sept 2025, 17:12 IST

Pakistan are all set to host South Africa for a multi-format tour, starting October 12. This assignment would see both the sides square off in a couple of Tests, followed by three T20 Internationals and as many One-Day Internationals.

This will also mark the first tour for Pakistan for the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, and the hosts would want to get off to a flying start, after a horrible showing in the previous edition of the marquee Test calendar. The challenge would be even bigger, as the Proteas are currently the reigning WTC champions, following their thumping win against Australia in the finals at Lord's in June 2025.

The first Test will be played at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by the next at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rawalpindi will also be hosting the first T20I, and the teams will travel back to Lahore for the remainder of the two matches in the shortest format. This will be followed by three One-Day Internationals to mark the last leg of the tour.

The first ODI will be a mouth-watering one, as the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will welcome 50-over international cricket after 17 long years. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been trying hard over the years to bring cricket back to the venue, and the moment of joy is finally coming to fruition. PCB did not provide any updates on squads for the series, but they are expected to be announced in due course.

"We are looking forward to welcome South Africa for the opening series of our ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. 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,” PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said in an official statement.