The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the dates and venues for South Africa’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, set to begin in October 2025. This highly anticipated series not only marks the start of Pakistan’s new ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle but also promises historic returns to iconic cricket venues.
Series Overview
The tour will feature:
- 2 Test Matches
- 3 T20 Internationals
- 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
It will run from October 12 to November 8, 2025, across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad.
Test Matches – Red-Ball Challenge Begins
- 1st Test: October 12–16 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 2nd Test: October 20–24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
South Africa will be returning for their first Test series in Pakistan after more than four years. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, now freshly renovated ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, will host its first five-day match in a long time, making it a symbolic return for red-ball cricket in the city.
T20 Internationals – Short-Format Thrills
- 1st T20I: October 28, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I: October 31, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: November 1, Lahore
The T20 series will be a perfect buildup to the Champions Trophy, giving Pakistan a chance to fine-tune their squad while offering fans the excitement of night games in two cricket-loving cities.
One-Day Internationals – Faisalabad’s Historic Comeback
- 1st ODI: November 4, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: November 6, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: November 8, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
The biggest highlight of the ODI leg is the return of international cricket to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years. The PCB’s decision reflects its intent to spread international cricket beyond Lahore and Karachi, while restoring Faisalabad’s historic place in Pakistan’s cricket journey.
Why This Tour Matters
This tour goes beyond the cricket itself. For Pakistan, it represents:
- Pakistan begins its new World Test Championship journey against the reigning champions, South Africa.
- A chance to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home.
- A celebration of cricket’s revival in venues like Faisalabad, which have long been sidelined.
For South Africa, this is an opportunity to adapt to subcontinental conditions-an area where they have historically struggled-while also challenging Pakistan in their own backyard.
Expert Analysis
The timing of the series couldn’t be better. Pakistan, with their young pace attack and improving batting lineup, will be keen to make a statement in the WTC opener. Meanwhile, South Africa’s disciplined bowling and aggressive batting style will test Pakistan’s resilience.
The ODI series in Faisalabad could also turn into a festival of cricket, as local fans, starved of international action for nearly two decades, will pack the stands with unmatched passion. Expect electrifying atmospheres and a renewed sense of cricket’s place in the heart of Punjab.
Final Thoughts
The South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cricket series of the year. With high-stakes Test matches, explosive T20 clashes, and the historic return of ODIs to Faisalabad, the tour promises something for every cricket fan.
For Pakistan, it’s a chance to send a strong message to the cricketing world: they’re ready, competitive, and proud to host international cricket at its finest.
