New Delhi, Sep 6 : Pakistan will host South Africa in two Tests, to be played in October, marking the start of their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The two-Test series in Pakistan will mark the Proteas' first red-ball tour of the country in nearly four years.

The opening Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the current WTC mace holders, will be staged at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium from October 12-16, the first five-day fixture to be played at the venue since its renovation ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The second Test is scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

'We are looking forward to welcoming South Africa for the opening series of our ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Starting the new cycle against the current Test champions will provide quality cricket for our players and fans,' said PCB Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Sumair Ahmed Syed in a statement on Saturday.

South Africa last toured Pakistan for Tests in January 2021, when they were beaten 2-0. Following the Test series, South Africa and Pakistan will meet in three T20Is to be held from October 28 to November 1, with the first game in Rawalpindi and the remaining two matches in Lahore.

The tour will conclude with three ODIs to be played at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium from November 4-8. The ground will host an ODI game after 17 years, after having last staged one in April 2008 when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.

'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,' added Syed.

South Africa tour of Pakistan ' Full schedule

Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Oct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Oct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Oct 31: 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Nov 1: 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Nov 4: 1st ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov 6: 2nd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov 8: 3rd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

/IANS