Pakistan is gearing up to kick off its ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign with an enthralling two-match Test series against South Africa, commencing on October 12th. This marks the Proteas’ much-awaited return to Pakistani soil for a red-ball showdown since their 2021 tour, where Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, secured a decisive 2-0 victory.
Beyond the Test arena, this bilateral tour promises a full spectrum of cricketing action, featuring six captivating limited-overs encounters: three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
A truly special highlight of this tour is the return of 50-over international cricket to Faisalabad’s historic Iqbal Stadium after an incredible 17-year absence. The last ODI graced this venue in April 2008, a memorable clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed shared his enthusiasm for this landmark event: “We are thrilled to host South Africa as our initial challenge in the WTC 2025-27 campaign. The comeback of ODI cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years is incredibly momentous. Iqbal Stadium boasts a rich cricketing legacy, and we eagerly anticipate rekindling the passion for international cricket among fans in this region.”
This comprehensive multi-format series isn’t just pivotal for Pakistan’s World Test Championship aspirations; it also offers a prime opportunity to assess and develop the squad’s talent in the white-ball formats, setting the stage for a packed international calendar ahead.
Pakistan vs South Africa: Full Tour Schedule
- 1st Test: October 12–16, Lahore
- 2nd Test: October 20–24, Rawalpindi
- 1st T20I: October 28, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I: October 31, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: November 1, Lahore
- 1st ODI: November 4, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: November 6, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: November 8, Faisalabad
Match Timings and How to Watch Live
- The toss for all Test matches will be held at 10:00 AM IST, with the first ball bowled at 10:30 AM IST.
- For fans in India, while television broadcasts of the Test matches are unavailable, you can catch every thrilling moment live by streaming on the FanCode app and website.