LAHORE: Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood and South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram unveiled the trophy for the upcoming Pakistan–South Africa Test series in Lahore on Saturday, marking the official start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
During the ceremony at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Markram toured the cricket museum where Shan Masood briefed him on Pakistan’s cricketing history and notable trophies.
The two-Test series will begin on October 12 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second Test in Rawalpindi from October 20–24. The red-ball series will be followed by six white-ball matches — three ODIs and three T20Is — scheduled from October 28 to November 8.
This marks the first time since the inception of the WTC in 2019 that Pakistan will open their campaign at home. South Africa, the defending WTC champions (2023–25), will pose a strong challenge for the hosts.
Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have faced off in 30 Test matches, with South Africa winning 17, Pakistan 6, and 7 ending in draws. In WTC contests, both sides have won two Tests each. The last time South Africa toured Pakistan was in 2021, when Pakistan secured a 2–0 series win.
Key performers from past encounters — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali — remain part of the 16-member Pakistan squad.
Shan Masood said the team aims to start the WTC cycle strongly against the reigning champions, emphasizing the importance of winning home Tests.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to test ourselves against the best and establish our blueprint at home,” he added.
Aiden Markram described the tour as an “exciting and challenging” start to the new cycle, saying his side is ready to adapt to subcontinental conditions and compete strongly.
Pakistan’s squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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