(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Gears Up to Host South Africa in Crucial World Test Championship Series
Pakistan is all set to kick off its red-ball journey in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship when they host South Africa in a two-match series, starting October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
According to team insiders, Pakistan’s preparations are in full swing with a clear strategy: maximize home advantage by relying heavily on spin-friendly pitches. This approach has brought Pakistan success in the past, particularly against England, and the same formula is expected against the Proteas.
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Pitch preparations will begin as soon as the ongoing women’s series concludes. Groundsmen at both Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium—venue of the second Test from October 20—have been directed to prepare turning tracks to test South Africa’s batting lineup.
Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed and interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood are playing a hands-on role in the planning. Their aim is to craft conditions that bring Pakistan’s spinners into play and make life difficult for the visitors.
This series carries added weight as it marks the opening assignment for both teams in the new World Test Championship cycle. South Africa, the defending champions, have already named their squad, which is expected to land in Lahore in the first week of October, leaving little time to adjust before the opening Test. Pakistan’s squad announcement is anticipated later this week, with selectors weighing spin-heavy combinations.
Following the Tests, Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns in a three-match T20I series. The first game will be played in Rawalpindi on October 28, followed by two fixtures in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.
The tour will conclude with three ODIs in Faisalabad on November 4, 6, and 8—vital matches for both sides as they fine-tune preparations ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
For now, all eyes turn to Lahore, where Pakistan’s bid to outspin South Africa under crisp autumn skies begins on October 12.
