Pakistan tour for England
ENGLAND will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years when they play two back-to-back Twenty20 internationals in Karachi next October.
A limited-overs tour in early 2021 had been proposed, but scheduling issues forced the England and Wales Cricket Board to put plans for a return to the country for the first time since 2005 on hold.
Despite difficulties posed by the global coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan played three Test matches, three one-day internationals and three T20s in England this summer.
The proposed January dates would have clashed with England’s scheduled matches against Sri Lanka and India, and the ECB did not wish to mark the occasion with a weakened squad.
England will arrive in Karachi on October 12, with the T20 fixtures set for October 14 and 15 before both teams depart for India ahead of the T20 World Cup.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “It 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.
“As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and 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.
“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.
“The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC men’s T20 World Cup.”