England to tour Pakistan after 16 years, ECB targets fans’ return with India series
LONDON: England cricketers will tour Pakistan next year for the first time since a deadly 2009 atack on the Sri Lankan team bus, the English and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday.
England will play two Twenty20 internationals in Karachi on Oct.14 and 15 in a move hailed as a “significant moment for both nations” by the ECB’S chief executive officer Tom Harrison.
“It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s IT20 squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021,” said Harrison in a statement.
“This will be the first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and as such it represents a significant moment for both nations.”
Harrison added that the priority would be to ensure the squad operated under the greatest security possible.
“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount,” he said.
“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 fastmoving and ever-changing Covid-19 pandemic.”
His Pakistan counterpart Wasim Khan said England’s tour was confirmation of the positive steps Pakistan had taken in assuring security for visiting teams.
“England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20IS will provide further lit to our passionate fans,” said Khan in a statement.
“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.
“The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence.
“The ECB’S confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure.”
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday they hoped spectators would return to matches next year as they announced a full international programme for 2021 culminating with a five-test series at home to India.
Unlike this year’s coronavirus-hit schedule, where a full set of men’s international matches were played behind closed doors at Old Trafford and Southampton, the ECB are now planning to take fixtures all round the country as in a normal year.
The drat itinerary issued Wednesday includes nine different host grounds and anticipates a ticket ballot to allow spectators to atend matches once again.
The centrepiece of next year’s programme is a Test series against India in August and September, with matches at Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Headingley, the Oval and Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan are scheduled throughout June and July, with fixtures also due to take place at Durham, Edgbaston, Bristol and Cardiff.
It is possible that more games could be added amid uncertainty over whether the planned 2021 World Test Championship final will go ahead ater several qualifying matches this year were cancelled because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Any additional fixtures could take place at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl, not included in the provisional schedule despite its key role in 2020.
England all-rounder Moeen Ali, speaking via conference call from Cape Town ahead of white-ball series against South Africa, welcomed the planned return of spectators by saying: “I think the most important thing for us is to play in front of crowds.
“It’s huge -- you realise how much you miss them, the extra motivation they give you when you’re playing, going round the country.
“If the fans could come in next year that would be amazing. I think players all over the world are missing the fans a lot.”