Pakistan are set to embark on a new journey in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, with the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa scheduled to begin on Sunday, 12 October, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The second and final Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October.
This series not only opens Pakistan’s campaign in the new WTC cycle but also sees them face the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, who clinched the previous 2023–25 edition. Following the two Tests, both sides will turn their attention to the white-ball leg of the tour, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs, running from 28 October to 8 November.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood emphasised the significance of beginning the new cycle strongly, especially against a formidable opponent.
“The main goal for any team is always to win the championship, but for us, it’s about starting off well — and we’ve got the perfect opposition in the team that won the last Test Championship,” Shan said. “To play against them in our home conditions is a great opportunity for us.”
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, the skipper noted that the series will serve as a benchmark for Pakistan’s red-ball standards going forward.
“Any challenge in the Test Championship will always test you, but for us, it’s a chance to measure ourselves against the best teams in the world. Hopefully, if we can put in a good performance, we’ll know that we’re right up there and in the reckoning,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of performing well in home conditions, Shan pointed to the trend set by previous WTC finalists and winners.
“It’s very important — if you look at the teams that have played the final and won the championship, they’ve always done well in their home Test matches,” he said. “For us, it’s about finding that blueprint at home, and it’s crucial that we start off well.”
The much-anticipated series will see Pakistan field a refreshed red-ball setup under Azhar Mehmood’s leadership as head coach, with Imran Farhat serving as batting coach and Abdur Rehman as spin bowling coach.
With the stage set at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium, the contest promises to deliver high-quality cricket as Pakistan look to assert their dominance at home and lay down an early marker in their World Test Championship campaign.
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