Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled its Test, ODI, and T20 squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, with some major changes in leadership and a big comeback.
The tour will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, beginning October 12.
Test captaincy shift due to Bavuma’s injury
Temba Bavuma has been sidelined with a calf injury, forcing CSA to reshuffle leadership roles. Aiden Markram will captain the Test side in his absence. The Test squad will leave for Pakistan on October 7.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named only for the second Test of the series, allowing him to manage workload while still providing experience in spin-friendly conditions.
The South African Men’s selection panel has named the squads for the upcoming all-format tour of Pakistan as well as the one-off T20 International (T20I) against Namibia.
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 22, 2025
The Proteas will begin their defence of the ICC World Test Championship Mace with a two-match Test series… pic.twitter.com/0jOOgSpsCv
Interim captains for limited-overs formats
David Miller has been handed the reins of the T20 squad as interim captain. For ODIs, Matthew Breetzke will step in as skipper, giving him a chance to prove his leadership credentials on foreign soil.
Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan series: Test, ODI, T20I schedule issued
Quinton de Kock comes out of retirement
One of the biggest surprises is the return of wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who has been included in both the ODI and T20 squads after previously stepping away from international cricket.
Full tour schedule
South Africa will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is against Pakistan. The action-packed tour will begin in October and continue into early November.
Test matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi
The series will kick off with the World Test Championship fixtures.
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First Test: October 12–16 in Lahore
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Second Test: October 20–24 in Rawalpindi
These matches will play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s and South Africa’s standings in the championship table.
Also Read: Pakistan to prepare spin-friendly pitches for South Africa series
T20 series to Begin in Rawalpindi
After the Tests, the spotlight will shift to the three-match T20I series.
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First T20: October 28 in Rawalpindi
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Second and Third T20s: October 30 and November 1 in Lahore
The T20 series will serve as an exciting lead-up to international white-ball events and give both teams a chance to test their bench strength.
ODI series returns to Faisalabad after 17 years
The tour will conclude with the three-match ODI series, to be held from November 4 to 8 in Faisalabad. This will mark a historic moment as Faisalabad hosts a One Day International match after 17 years, adding nostalgic value for local fans eager to see international cricket return to the city.
