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While there is huge excitement in anticipation of Pakistan vs Australia T20 World Cup semifinal on November 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also revealed the schedule of Australia's tour of Pakistan which is set to take place in March-April 2022. While the Aussies will go head to head against Pakistan in three Test matches, they will also play three ODIs and a one-off T20I.
The first Test match between the two teams is set to be played in Karachi from March 3 while the second Test will happen in Rawalpindi from March 12. The third and final Test match is scheduled in Lahore from March 21. The three-Test matches are set to be part of the 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle.
Meanwhile, the ODIs will also be part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League - which is a cycle involving 13 teams from which the seven highest-placed sides, as well as the hosts (India), will secure direct qualification for the ODI World Cup in 2023.
After the Test matches across three venues, all the four limited-overs games will be played in Lahore.
Check out the schedule here:
Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998
This is a huge announcement for Pakistan since it will be the first time that Australia will be touring Pakistan for a bilateral cricket series in 24 years. The last time an Australian side played in the South Asian nation was in 1998 when Mark Taylor was the captain and he led his troops to a 1-0 win.
"I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan. From a personal point of view, it pleases me that we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight," PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying.
"Australia are one of the high-performing sides and them playing in our backyard for the first time after a gap of 24 years will be a special treat for the fans," he added.
"Likewise, it will be a great opportunity for the Australia cricketers to not only play at our iconic venues but also feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this great country offers, something which most of their previous generation of cricketers missed out by playing offshore," he further said.
Cricket Australia also expressed its excitement on the prospect of touring Australia in a highly anticipated series.