ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host South Africa for a multi-format tour in October, with the first One Day International to be played in Faisalabad in 17 years, the country’s cricket board said on Saturday.
The tour marks the start of Pakistan’s new cycle in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
South Africa, the reigning Test champions, will open the two-match series at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium from Oct. 12-16, the venue’s first five-day contest since its renovation earlier this year to stage the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The second Test will be held at Rawalpindi from Oct. 20-24. South Africa last toured Pakistan in January 2021, when they lost a two-Test series 2-0.
“We are looking forward to welcome South Africa for the opening series of our ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign,” Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said in a statement.
“Starting the new cycle against the current Test champions will provide quality cricket for our players and fans,” he continued. “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.”
The PCB said in a statement following the red-ball matches, both sides will contest three Twenty20 internationals (T20Is) from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, beginning in Rawalpindi before shifting to Lahore.
The tour will conclude with three ODIs from Nov. 4-8 at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, where Pakistan last played an ODI in April 2008, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Oct. 12-16: First Test, Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Oct. 20-24: Second Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Oct. 28: First T20I, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Oct. 31: Second T20I, Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov. 1: Third T20I, Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
