LAHORE: England has confirmed their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years and visit next year for two T20 matches.
England will arrive in Karachi on 12th October and will play two Twenty20 internationals in Karachi on 14th and 15th October. Both sides will depart for India on 16th October for the T20 World Cup at the end of the series.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the tour following last month’s invite by the PCB for a short tour in January 2021. Due to the non-availability of top players, the ECB had proposed the short tour in October in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.
England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five One-Day International (ODI) matches. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the UAE.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said he was delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20Is in October 2021. He said a full-strength England squad will arrive after the home series against New Zealand and Australia is also expected to visit next year.
“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,” he said.
“England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20Is will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe. The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly,” he added.
He said England’s visit is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner CMG: “My goal since arriving in Pakistan has been to welcome the England Cricket Team back. 16 years of waiting is over, and I am delighted that England will play here in 2021.
“A lot of hard work behind the scenes has gone into making today’s news possible and I would like to thank everyone involved. International cricket needs the great stadiums of Pakistan full again – and this tour will do that.”
