The stage is set for Pakistan’s red-ball campaign in the 2025–27 World Test Championship as the national side prepares to host South Africa in a two-match series starting October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
According to insiders, the team is leaving nothing to chance and plans to make full use of home-field advantage against the Proteas.
Pakistan’s strategy is straightforward: unleash their spin arsenal on turning wickets, a tactic that has worked well in the past, especially against England. Pitch preparations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the ongoing women’s series, with curators instructed to produce spin-friendly tracks not only at Gaddafi Stadium but also at Rawalpindi for the second Test, which begins on October 20.
Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed and interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood are reportedly closely involved in the pitch planning. Their goal is to create conditions that play to Pakistan’s strengths and challenge the visitors with a trial by spin.
This Test series carries added significance for both Pakistan and South Africa, as it marks each team’s entry into the current World Test Championship cycle.
The defending WTC champions have already announced their squad, which is expected to arrive in Lahore during the first week of October. That gives them limited time to adjust before the opening match. Pakistan’s squad announcement is expected later this week, with selectors considering combinations that can fully exploit the spinning conditions.
After the Test series, the two teams will face off in a three-match T20I series. The first game will be held on October 28 in Rawalpindi, while Lahore will host the remaining two fixtures on October 31 and November 1.
The tour will wrap up with three ODIs in Faisalabad on November 4, 6, and 8. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of next year’s ICC T20I World Cup.
For now, all eyes are on Lahore, where Pakistan’s push to spin South Africa into submission begins under the crisp autumn skies on October 12.