Proteas aim to extend WTC glory, starting in Lahore and Rawalpindi

THE defence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace is set to officially get underway for South Africa as they begin the new cycle with a two-match Test series in Lahore and Rawalpindi this month.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

As the Proteas start the 2025-27 WTC cycle in Pakistan next week, they carry a target on their backs, having won the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s this past winter.

It will be a new challenge for South Africa, given that every Test they play will now be closely examined by opposition teams — a level of scrutiny they most likely did not face in the previous cycle, when they flew under the radar due to a lack of stars and being generally underrated.

Stand-in captain Aiden Markram emphasised the team’s desire to lift the WTC mace once again at the conclusion of the new cycle.