Pakistan are set to welcome South Africa in October for a full tour that begins with two Tests, marking the start of their new World Test Championship cycle. The series will be historic, as it brings the Proteas back for red-ball cricket in Pakistan after almost four years. The opening Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16. It will be the first Test match staged there since the ground’s renovation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The second Test will take place in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed expressed his excitement at hosting the reigning World Test Champions. “Starting the new cycle against South Africa will provide quality cricket for our players and fans,” he said.
South Africa tour of Pakistan – Full schedule:
Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreOct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiOct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiOct 31: 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreNov 1: 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreNov 4: 1st ODI, Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadNov 6: 2nd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadNov 8: 3rd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad South Africa’s last red-ball tour of Pakistan was in January 2021, when they lost the two-match series 2-0. This time, the Tests will be followed by three T20Is between October 28 and November 1. Rawalpindi will host the opening game, with Lahore staging the next two. The tour will end with a significant moment for Pakistan cricket as ODI cricket returns to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years. The venue, which last hosted a one-dayer in 2008, will stage the three ODIs from November 4 to 8. “Iqbal Stadium holds a proud place in our cricketing history, and we are excited to bring international cricket back here,” added Syed.
