The South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 is set to be one of the biggest cricketing events of the year. Pakistan begins its ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle by hosting the reigning Test champions South Africa in a multi-format series that spans across October and November.
This series carries historical weight, as it not only marks South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since 2021 but also revives ODI cricket in Faisalabad after 17 years. With two Test matches, three T20Is, and three ODIs on the card, fans are gearing up for weeks of high-quality cricket.
South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025 Schedule
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a packed itinerary featuring Tests, T20Is, and ODIs. Here’s the complete schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 12–16 October | 1st Test | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 20–24 October | 2nd Test | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 28 October | 1st T20I | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 31 October | 2nd T20I | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 1 November | 3rd T20I | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 4 November | 1st ODI | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad |
| 6 November | 2nd ODI | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad |
| 8 November | 3rd ODI | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad |
The Test series will be decisive for the World Test Championship standings, while the T20I and ODI series provide crucial white-ball preparation for the teams heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 and Champions Trophy 2025.
Why the South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025 Matters
A Historic Test Start at Gaddafi Stadium
The first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 12 to 16 October is more than just another fixture. It’s the first five-day match at the venue since its renovation for the ICC Champions Trophy. This modernized stadium will once again be the epicenter of world cricket.
South Africa’s Long-Awaited Test Return
South Africa last played Test cricket in Pakistan in January 2021, losing the series 2-0. Since then, both sides have evolved with new captains, rising talents, and renewed ambitions. Their return now, as the defending World Test Champions, adds extra spice to the rivalry.
ODI Cricket Returns to Faisalabad
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will host international ODIs for the first time since April 2008. Back then, Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets. Now, with a new generation of fans and upgraded facilities, Faisalabad reclaims its spot on the international cricket map.
Key Players to Watch in the South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025
Pakistan
- Babar Azam – The batting maestro, known for his elegant strokeplay, will be the backbone of Pakistan’s batting in all formats.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s pace spearhead with the ability to swing the new ball and dominate in Tests and ODIs.
- Abrar Ahmed – A mystery spinner who could trouble South African batters unfamiliar with subcontinent conditions.
- Mohammad Rizwan – Reliable with the bat and gloves, Rizwan’s role in T20Is and ODIs will be crucial.
South Africa
- Kagiso Rabada – The fast-bowling spearhead, capable of making an impact even on flat tracks.
- Aiden Markram – A technically sound opener who needs to anchor South Africa’s innings in Tests.
- Gerald Coetzee – The young quick has pace and aggression that make him South Africa’s X-factor.
- David Miller – A white-ball specialist whose explosive batting can change the course of T20Is and ODIs.
South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025: Test Series Preview
The Test series carries double importance—it kickstarts Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign and pits them against the current title holders.
Conditions and Pitches
- Lahore is expected to offer batting-friendly pitches that could deteriorate late, giving spinners a chance.
- Rawalpindi traditionally favors fast bowlers with early swing and pace, offering a balanced contest.
Head-to-Head in Tests
- Matches played: 30
- South Africa wins: 15
- Pakistan wins: 8
- Draws: 7
South Africa has historically dominated, but Pakistan’s home advantage and improved pace attack could tilt the balance.
T20I Series Analysis
The three T20Is will act as a tactical testing ground ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams have explosive talent and experienced match-winners.
- Pakistan’s batting lineup revolves around Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the top.
- South Africa relies on power hitters like Miller and Rassie van der Dussen.
- Bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi and Rabada will be vital in the powerplay overs.
With Rawalpindi and Lahore as hosts, expect flat pitches and high-scoring encounters.
ODI Series in Faisalabad: A Grand Return
The ODI leg is perhaps the most sentimental part of the tour. Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium has been absent from the international calendar for nearly two decades, but its return symbolizes Pakistan’s commitment to spreading cricket across regions.
Fans in Faisalabad will witness:
- Pakistan’s new-look ODI squad preparing for the Champions Trophy 2025.
- South Africa’s blend of youth and experience testing subcontinent conditions.
- The nostalgia of a stadium that once saw legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Wasim Akram, and Allan Donald battle it out.
South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025: Head-to-Head Record
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 30 | 8 | 15 | 7 |
| ODIs | 82 | 30 | 51 | 1 |
| T20Is | 21 | 12 | 9 | 0 |
South Africa historically holds the upper hand in ODIs and Tests, but Pakistan has recently shown dominance in T20Is.
PCB’s Perspective on the Series
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed described the series as a double celebration:
- Pakistan beginning its WTC cycle against the world’s best.
- Faisalabad reclaiming its historic place in Pakistan cricket.
His remarks underline how the South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 is not just about cricket—it’s about pride, history, and the revival of iconic venues.
South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025: Squads (Expected)
While official squads are yet to be announced, here’s what both teams are likely to field:
Pakistan (probables)
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Hasan Ali
- Abrar Ahmed
- Naseem Shah
South Africa (probables)
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Aiden Markram
- Dean Elgar
- Rassie van der Dussen
- David Miller
- Kagiso Rabada
- Gerald Coetzee
- Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi
These lineups could see changes depending on player form, injuries, and strategic selections.
The South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 combines history, rivalry, and renewal. From Lahore’s renovated Gaddafi Stadium to Faisalabad’s long-awaited return, the series showcases the resilience of Pakistan cricket and the enduring appeal of contests between two powerhouse nations.
Fans can expect thrilling Tests, explosive T20Is, and emotional ODIs as the cricketing world turns its eyes to Pakistan. With World Test Championship points, Champions Trophy preparations, and World Cup cycles on the line, this series is more than just another bilateral tour—it’s a defining chapter in modern cricket.
