PCB announces schedule for South Africa series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday unveiled the itinerary for the upcoming home series against South Africa, which will also mark the long-awaited return of international cricket to Faisalabad after nearly two decades.

The Proteas will visit Pakistan in October for a two-match Test series, launching the country’s new journey in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The opening Test will be staged at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second match in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24.

This will be South Africa’s first red-ball series in Pakistan since January 2021, when they went down 2-0 to the hosts.
After the Tests, the focus will shift to white-ball cricket with a three-match T20I series, running from October 28 to November 1. Rawalpindi will host the first game, while Lahore will stage the remaining two.

The tour will wrap up with a historic three-match ODI series at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from November 4 to 8, reviving international cricket at the venue for the first time since Pakistan’s seven-wicket win over Bangladesh there on April 11, 2008.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Syed Sumair Ahmed welcomed the development, expressing delight at both the high-profile Tests and Faisalabad’s long-awaited return to the international fold.
“We are thrilled to host South Africa as the opening opposition in our ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Facing the reigning Test champions promises top-quality cricket for players and fans alike,” he said.

“Bringing ODI cricket back to Faisalabad after 17 years is a moment of pride. Iqbal Stadium has a special place in our cricket heritage, and it is wonderful to see international matches return to this city.”