The cricketing world is gearing up for an exhilarating start to the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with South Africa, the reigning champions of the 2023-25 cycle, set to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated two-Test series in October 2025. This series marks the beginning of both teams’ campaigns in the new WTC cycle and promises to deliver high-quality cricket, pitting the current Test champions against a Pakistan side eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing previous cycle. The tour, which also includes three T20Is and three ODIs, will be hosted across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, with the historic return of international cricket to Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad after a 17-year hiatus adding an extra layer of excitement. This article delves into the significance of this series, the historical context, key players to watch, and what fans can expect from this thrilling encounter.
The Significance of the Series
The upcoming series is a landmark event for both South Africa and Pakistan. For South Africa, it is an opportunity to assert their dominance as the 2023-25 WTC champions, having clinched the title in June 2025 at Lord’s, ending their ICC trophy drought. The Proteas, under their astute leadership, will aim to set a strong tone for the new cycle by defending their crown against a formidable opponent on their home turf. The series also serves as a crucial precursor to South Africa’s subsequent tour of India, where they will face another stern test with two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in November and December 2025.
For Pakistan, the series is a chance to start afresh after a lackluster 2023-25 WTC campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table with a Points Percentage (PCT) of just 27.98%. The hosts, led by Shan Masood in Tests and potentially Babar Azam in the white-ball formats, will be keen to leverage their home advantage and challenge the reigning champions. The series also marks South Africa’s first red-ball tour to Pakistan since January 2021, when Pakistan secured a 2-0 victory, adding a layer of historical rivalry to the contest.
The return of Test cricket to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which has undergone extensive renovation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and the hosting of ODIs at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after a 17-year gap, further elevate the series’ significance. As PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed noted, “Starting the new cycle against the current Test champions will provide quality cricket for our players and fans. 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.”
Historical Context
The cricketing rivalry between South Africa and Pakistan has produced some memorable moments, particularly in Test cricket. Their last Test encounter in Pakistan in 2021 saw the hosts dominate with a 2-0 series win, led by Babar Azam. That series was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the 2025 series the first red-ball contest between the two sides with full crowd involvement since international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019. The presence of fans is expected to create an electric atmosphere, especially at Gaddafi Stadium, which will host its first Test in over three years since its renovation.
South Africa’s triumph in the 2023-25 WTC cycle showcased their resilience and depth in Test cricket, with standout performances from players like Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram. In contrast, Pakistan struggled with consistency, finishing below teams like Bangladesh and West Indies. The Men in Green will be motivated to turn the tables, particularly in home conditions where their pace-heavy bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, can exploit the pitches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The white-ball leg of the tour, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, adds another dimension to the rivalry. Pakistan’s strong T20I side, bolstered by players like Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, will face a South African team transitioning back to white-ball cricket after a focus on red-ball preparations. The ODIs in Faisalabad, a venue that last hosted an ODI in April 2008 when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets, will be a nostalgic moment for local fans and a chance for both teams to fine-tune their 50-over strategies ahead of future global events.
Tour Schedule
The South Africa tour of Pakistan is a comprehensive all-format series, running from October 12 to November 8, 2025. The full schedule, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is as follows:
12-16 October: First Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
20-24 October: Second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
28 October: First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
31 October: Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 November: Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 November: First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
6 November: Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
8 November: Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
This tightly packed schedule will test both teams’ adaptability across formats, with the quick transition from Tests to T20Is and ODIs requiring strategic squad management and player rotation.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa
Kagiso Rabada: The spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack, Rabada’s pace and precision will be crucial on Pakistan’s pitches. His ability to swing the ball and extract bounce could trouble Pakistan’s top order, especially in Lahore.
Temba Bavuma: As captain, Bavuma will lead from the front with his gritty batting and tactical acumen. His performances in the 2023-25 cycle were pivotal, and he’ll aim to anchor the middle order against Pakistan’s pace attack.
Aiden Markram: A versatile batsman capable of dominating in both Tests and white-ball formats, Markram’s form will be key to South Africa’s success. His off-spin could also play a role on turning tracks.
Heinrich Klaasen: In the white-ball formats, Klaasen’s explosive batting could be a game-changer. His ability to take on spin and pace alike makes him a vital asset in T20Is and ODIs.
Pakistan
Babar Azam: Despite stepping down from Test captaincy, Babar remains Pakistan’s batting linchpin across formats. His elegant strokeplay and consistency will be critical against South Africa’s bowling attack.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm pacer’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds makes him a constant threat. His battles with South Africa’s top order, particularly in Tests, will be a highlight.
Shan Masood: As Test captain, Masood will look to lead by example with his resolute batting. His leadership will be tested against a formidable South African side.
Mohammad Rizwan: The wicketkeeper-batsman’s dual role in Tests and white-ball formats makes him indispensable. His aggressive batting in T20Is and ODIs could shift momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Venues and Their Significance
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The iconic Gaddafi Stadium, recently renovated for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, will host the first Test and two T20Is. Its return as a Test venue after a three-year gap is significant, as Lahore has historically been a challenging venue for visiting teams due to its passionate crowds and variable pitch conditions. The last Test hosted here was against Australia in March 2022, and the renovated facilities promise a world-class experience for players and spectators.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
The second Test and the first T20I will be played at Rawalpindi, a venue known for its batting-friendly pitches but also capable of assisting seamers early on. Recent renovations have enhanced the stadium’s infrastructure, making it a fitting stage for high-stakes Test cricket.
Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
The ODI series in Faisalabad marks the return of international cricket to Iqbal Stadium after 17 years. The last ODI here saw Pakistan defeat Bangladesh in April 2008, and the venue’s rich cricketing history adds a nostalgic charm. The flat pitches in Faisalabad could lead to high-scoring encounters, testing both teams’ bowling depth.
Challenges and Expectations
For South Africa, the challenge lies in adapting to Pakistan’s conditions, where pitches can vary from pace-friendly to spin-dominant. The Proteas’ previous tour in 2021 ended in a 2-0 defeat, and they will be wary of Pakistan’s potent bowling attack, particularly in home conditions. The transition from Tests to white-ball formats will also test their squad depth, especially with a demanding India tour looming.
Pakistan, meanwhile, must overcome their inconsistency from the previous WTC cycle. The pressure to perform against the reigning champions will be immense, but home advantage and a passionate fanbase could provide the edge. The white-ball series offers a chance to showcase their flair, particularly in T20Is, where Pakistan has a strong track record.
Fans can expect a fiercely competitive series, with both teams eager to make a statement in the new WTC cycle. The Tests will likely hinge on the battle between Pakistan’s pacers and South Africa’s batsmen, while the white-ball games could see high-scoring thrillers, especially in Faisalabad.
Looking Ahead
The South Africa-Pakistan series in October 2025 is more than just the opening chapter of the 2025-27 WTC cycle; it’s a clash of cricketing titans with rich historical context and high stakes. South Africa, buoyed by their recent WTC triumph, will look to assert their dominance, while Pakistan aims to harness their home advantage and passionate support to kick-start their campaign on a high. The return of international cricket to Faisalabad, combined with the renovated venues in Lahore and Rawalpindi, adds a layer of excitement to an already compelling tour. With world-class players, historic venues, and the prestige of the WTC at stake, this series promises to be a cricketing spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.
