After 17 years, England will tour Pakistan again. The last time the English played Pakistan in the later’s backyard was back in 2005. Karachi’s the National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium are set to host the seven match T-20 series between England and Pakistan.
However the responsibilities of hosting matches ate divided among the two stadiums of Pakistan. The first four matches against England are Karachi’s responsibility. It will take place from 20th September to 25th. The last three matches however, will take place in Lahore. It will be from September 20th to October 2nd.
Last year, security was big issue behind the tour cancellations in Pakistan. Initially it was New Zealand who came back showing security as a reason. Following that, England the did the same. In October, both the men and women’s team has series in Pakistan. But they backed out! It was right after the Australia T-20 World Cup.
Furthermore, New Zealand will also visit Pakistan. They will play three ODIs and two tests in the December and January initially. Finally, Pak will host the Black Caps for the second phase. There, they will play five ODIs and a T-20I series in April.
Will be replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005: Zakir Khan, PCB director
Zakir Khan, PCB director of international cricket, gave a statement that,
“We are absolutely delighted to confirm hosting England for seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore as a curtain-raiser to a busy, entertaining and exciting season of home internationals.”
He stated,
“England is one of the top-ranked T20I teams and them playing the shortest format in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan will not only help the team management to finalise their preparations, but will also set the tone for December’s three-Test series.”
The director further added,
“We demonstrated our event planning and operational skills in the highly-successful series against Australia in March-April and I am confident we will be able to replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005. We have been able to confirm schedule of the T20Is following a successful tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board recce team, which was pleased and satisfied with all our arrangements.”
Schedule for England tour of Pakistan
1st T20I: September 20, National Stadium, Karachi
2nd T20I: September 22, National Stadium, Karachi
3rd T-20I: September 23,National Stadium, Karachi
4th T-20I: September 25, National Stadium, Karachi
5th T-20I: September 28,Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
6th T-20I: September 30,Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
7th T-20I: October 2, Gaddafi Stadium
