Sports Desk
Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed England will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years when they will play two T20 internationals in Karachi on 14 and 15 October.
England will arrive in Karachi on 12 October, and both sides will depart for India on 16 October for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the end of the series.
According to the PCB press-release, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the tour on Tuesday evening following last month’s invite by the board for a short tour in January 2021.
Due to the non-availability of England’s top stars during January 2021 as they will be busy in international cricket, the ECB proposed the short tour in October in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was welcomed by the PCB.
England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five ODIs. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan
Chief Executive Wasim Khan is delighted about England’s first visit in 16 years. “This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.”
“The full-strength England squad will arrive at the backend of our home series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in the 2021-22 season, with England returning for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season,” he added.
According to Wasim, the T20I matches will allow England to access arrangements ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup in India.
“The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world.”
“England’s visit in 2021 is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.”
ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison
termed the series as a ‘significant moment for both nations’. “ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans.”
“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols, and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic,” he adde
