Faisalabad to host ODIs after 17 years as PCB announces South Africa tour schedu

Pakistan will launch their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign with a two-match home series against South Africa in October, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Saturday.

The first Test will be played in Lahore from October 12 to 16, followed by the second in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24. This will mark South Africa’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 2021, when they lost 2-0 to Babar Azam’s side.

After the red-ball contests, the two teams will compete in six limited-overs fixtures, comprising three Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals.

The ODI leg is scheduled for Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from November 4 to 8, bringing 50-over international cricket back to the venue for the first time since 2008, when Pakistan hosted Bangladesh.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said the series would hold added significance due to Faisalabad’s return as an ODI host. “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,” he stated.

The tour will also include T20Is in Rawalpindi and Lahore, beginning on October 28, before the sides head to Faisalabad.

Pakistan v South Africa Schedule

First Test – October 12-16, Lahore

Second 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