Mumbai: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that the England team will make their first visit to Pakistan in 2021 in 16 years.
Pakistan will host England for two T20Is in Karachi ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in India on 14 and 15 October 2021.
“England will arrive in Karachi on 12 October and both teams will leave for India on 16 October for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the end of the series,” the ECB said in a statement.
Following last month’s invitation by the PCB for a short tour in January 2021, the ECB confirmed the tour on Tuesday evening.
England last visited Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five One Day Internationals. It was then played in the United Arab Emirates in 2012 and 2015 between the two sides.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “It is a real pleasure to announce that England’s IT20 squad of men will play in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be the first time since 2005 that the England team has toured Pakistan. And thus represents an important moment for both countries.
He said, “As demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with the PCB, and the ECB is happy to play its part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful country of passionate cricket fans.”
Harrison further stated that the board is working with its counterpart to ensure the safety of players and staff.
“As always, the safety and well-being of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all necessary plans, particularly the anticipated levels of security around the team, are part of the proposed travel protocol. About, and certainly about the rapidly growing and ever-changing COVID-19 epidemic,” he said.
Wasim Khan, PCB Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20s in October 2021. 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 white-ball series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in early 2022, with England returning for both Test and White Ball tours in the 2022-23 season,” he added.
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