The International Cricket Council has shared the list of match officials for the Pakistan vs South Africa home series. The tour will take place from 12 October to 8 November and covers two Tests three T20Is and three ODIs. These games are important for Pakistan as the results will count in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 to 2027 and will also shape preparation for the upcoming global tournaments.
The International Cricket Council has released the official list of match referees and umpires for the upcoming Pakistan vs South Africa series 2025. The tour will run from 12 October to 8 November and will feature two Test matches three T20 internationals and three one day internationals
This home series is important for Pakistan not only because it is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 to 2027 but also because it gives the team a chance to prepare for the global tournaments coming next year. Fans are already buzzing with excitement and tickets are expected to sell fast especially in Lahore and Faisalabad.
Controversy Around the Match Referee:
There was drama before the series even started Zimbabwe’s Andy Pycroft was supposed to act as the match referee. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board raised a strong objection after his behavior during the 2025 Asia Cup. Reports say he told Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha not to greet Indian star Suryakumar Yadav during the post match handshake. The incident nicknamed handshake gate, led to a storm of anger
Even though Pycroft later apologized, the Pakistan government refused to allow him to work in this series. In his place ICC has appointed Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle. He is one of the most respected referees in cricket. His appointment is seen as fair and balanced which helps calm down tensions.
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Pakistan vs South Africa Series Schedule with Match Officials
Here is the full schedule of the series with dates, venue, match type and the list of ICC officials
| Date | Venue | Match Type | On Field Umpires | Third Umpire | Fourth Umpire | Match Referee |
| 12–16 Oct | Gaddafi Stadium Lahore | 1st Test | Rodney Tucker AUS Christopher Brown NZ | Saikat Sharfuddoula BAN | Faisal Khan Afridi PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 20–24 Oct | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2nd Test | Christopher Brown NZ Saikat Sharfuddoula BAN | Rodney Tucker AUS | Rashid Riaz PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 28 Oct | Rawalpindi | 1st T20I | Muhammad Asif Yaqoob PAK Rashid Riaz PAK | Faisal Khan Afridi PAK | Tariq Rasheed PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 31 Oct | Lahore | 2nd T20I | Same as 1st T20I | Same as 1st T20I | Same as 1st T20I | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 1 Nov | Lahore | 3rd T20I | Rashid Riaz PAK Faisal Khan Afridi PAK | Asif Yaqoob PAK | Tariq Rasheed PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 4 Nov | Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad | 1st ODI | Saikat Sharfuddoula BAN Asif Yaqoob PAK | Alex Wharf ENG | Rashid Riaz PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 6 Nov | Faisalabad | 2nd ODI | Alex Wharf ENG Ahsan Raza PAK | Saikat Sharfuddoula BAN | Rashid Riaz PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
| 8 Nov | Faisalabad | 3rd ODI | Sharfuddoula BAN Faisal Khan Afridi PAK | Alex Wharf ENG | Rashid Riaz PAK | Ranjan Madugalle SL |
Why the Pakistan vs South Africa Series is Important
For Pakistan, this series is more than just matches against a tough rival It is a test of team balance in all formats.
Key Reasons the Series Matters
- World Test Championship Points: Both Test matches count in the official table. Pakistan needs wins at home to stay in the race.
- Squad Preparation: The T20I games will help selectors test different players before the global T20 tournament next year.
- ODI Build Up: The one day matches give a chance to practice combinations before the Champions Trophy
- Home Advantage: Matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad give fans a chance to cheer for their team live at the stadium.
What Fans Can Expect
The atmosphere in Pakistan during such big tours is always electric Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will be packed. Rawalpindi always brings a lively crowd and Faisalabad is famous for its love of cricket. Every ball will be watched closely.
South Africa is also bringing a strong team, so fans should expect tight contests in Tests as well as high scoring T20 games. The ODI matches at Faisalabad will show how both teams handle pressure in 50-over format.
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Wrap Up:
The Pakistan vs South Africa series 2025 is set to be a thrilling chapter in cricket. With respected referees like Ranjan Madugalle, elite ICC umpires and world class players on both sides the stage is ready for serious action.
If you are a cricket lover you should mark the dates and watch these matches either live at the ground or on TV. To add a personal touch you can keep track of scores in a notebook or cheer with friends and family every matchday. This series promises drama skill and a lot of memorable moments.
FAQ’s
When will the Pakistan vs South Africa series 2025 start?
The series will begin on 12 October 2025 with the first Test in Lahore and it will end on 8 November 2025 with the third ODI in Faisalabad.
How many matches will be played in this tour?
The series has 2 Test matches, 3 T20 internationals and 3 ODIs making a total of 8 games.
Who is the match referee for the series?
Sri Lankan official Ranjan Madugalle has been appointed as the match referee for all games in this series.
Where will the matches be played?
The matches will be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad
How can fans watch the series live?
Fans can buy tickets from official PCB outlets and websites. Those who can not attend in person can watch live on TV channels and digital streaming platforms broadcasting the ICC series.
