Lahore – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), has officially confirmed the panel of match officials for the upcoming red-ball and white-ball series between Pakistan and South Africa. The tour, which features two Test matches, a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), will be played across multiple iconic venues in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad during October 2025.
At the center of the announcement is the appointment of Ranjan Madugalle, the veteran Sri Lankan administrator and former Test cricketer, as the series match referee. Widely regarded as one of the most experienced and respected figures in international cricket officiating, Madugalle’s presence is seen as a guarantee of smooth conduct and neutrality in a high-profile bilateral contest.
Test Series: Lahore and Rawalpindi to Host
The red-ball series will open with the first Test match scheduled from October 12 to 16 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Australian umpire Rodney Tucker and English official Christopher Brown will serve as the on-field umpires for the opening match, with TV and fourth officials to be rotated from within the ICC Elite and International Panels.
The second Test match, to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24, will see Christopher Brown return to officiate once again, this time alongside Sharfuddoula Saikat of Bangladesh as the on-field partners. Both Tests are expected to carry World Test Championship (WTC) points, which adds further importance to the accuracy and fairness of umpiring decisions.
T20 International Series: Local Officials in the Spotlight
The shortest format will follow the Test contests, featuring three T20 Internationals. Pakistan’s domestic elite umpires are set to feature prominently in these matches, reflecting the ICC’s increased emphasis on developing local umpiring talent.
- In the first T20I, Mohammad Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will serve as on-field umpires.
- The second T20I will again be officiated by the same pair — Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz — ensuring consistency.
- For the third T20I, the pairing will change slightly, with Rashid Riaz joined by Faisal Khan Afridi to complete the officiating responsibilities.
These appointments highlight the PCB’s confidence in its crop of domestic umpires, many of whom have been steadily gaining experience on the international circuit.
ODI Series: Faisalabad to Host All Three Matches
The ODI leg of the tour will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, a venue with deep historical significance in Pakistan cricket. The three ODIs will feature a balanced mix of local and international officials.
- The first ODI will be umpired on-field by Sharfuddoula Saikat and Asif Yaqoob.
- The second ODI will see England’s Alex Wharf join Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza as the on-field officials.
- The third and final ODI will once again feature Sharfuddoula Saikat, this time with Faisal Khan Afridi as his on-field partner.
The rotation ensures a fair distribution of responsibilities while allowing a blend of international oversight and local involvement.
Significance of Ranjan Madugalle’s Appointment
Perhaps the most significant appointment in the announcement is that of Ranjan Madugalle as series match referee. Madugalle, who has officiated in countless international series over the past two decades, brings a wealth of experience and credibility. His presence is particularly crucial given the intensity that often accompanies Pakistan-South Africa encounters.
Known for his calm demeanor and impeccable integrity, Madugalle has previously overseen numerous high-stakes series, including World Cups and ICC tournaments. His role will involve overseeing the implementation of ICC playing conditions, monitoring player behavior, and ensuring that the spirit of cricket is upheld throughout the tour.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Series
The Pakistan–South Africa rivalry has historically produced high-quality cricket, characterized by competitive Tests and fiercely fought limited-overs matches. With both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the international rankings, the series is expected to draw significant attention from fans worldwide.
For Pakistan, the Test matches represent an opportunity to assert dominance on home soil, while the white-ball fixtures will serve as crucial preparation for next year’s global tournaments. South Africa, meanwhile, will be aiming to prove their adaptability in subcontinental conditions, where spin and reverse swing often play decisive roles.
Challenges for Umpires
Umpiring in Pakistan comes with unique challenges, particularly in Test matches, where pitches may deteriorate rapidly and conditions can change drastically over the course of five days. Accurate judgment on DRS (Decision Review System) referrals, LBWs, and tight run-out decisions will be vital.
The T20 and ODI matches will also require sharp focus, given the fast-paced nature of the formats where a single marginal decision can swing the momentum of the game. The inclusion of both seasoned international officials and promising local umpires is designed to strike a balance between experience and development.
Conclusion
The announcement of match officials for the Pakistan–South Africa series has set the stage for what promises to be a captivating tour. With Ranjan Madugalle ensuring the highest standards of refereeing, and a carefully chosen panel of umpires combining international experience with local talent, the series is expected to be conducted with professionalism and integrity.
As fans count down to October 12, when the first ball will be bowled at Gaddafi Stadium, attention will not only be on the performances of Babar Azam, Kagiso Rabada, and other star players, but also on the umpires and referees tasked with ensuring that the spirit of cricket shines through in every contest.
