The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the full-fledged schedule for the home Test series against England. The Ben Stokes-led team will tour Pakistan in December for the three Tests. Rawalpindi, Multan, and Karachi will be hosting these three Tests. Notably, this will be England’s first tour to Pakistan since 2005.
The PCB confirmed that England will play Pakistan in a seven-match T20I series in September-October and then come back to the country in December for the three Tests. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from 1-5 December. The caravan will then move to Multan for the second Test which begins on 9 December. The third and final Test will be played in Karachi from 17-21 December. All three matches will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship.
“We are pleased that Pakistan and England Test rivalry, which has historically produced close and tight matches, will return to our backyards in December," said PCB Director Zakir Khan. "Both the sides have evolved since they last played in Pakistan in 2005 and have recently been playing entertaining and exciting cricket. I remain confident this series will live up to the expectations of the global cricket fans who want to watch and enjoy competitive and thrilling matches."
ECB's Interim Chief Executive Officer Clare Connor voiced similar sentiments. "The return of our men’s Test team to Pakistan for the first time since 2005 will be an historic occasion. The opportunity to play Test cricket in front of passionate cricket-lovers in Pakistan after such a long time is something to be cherished," she said.
Notably, the last time England played a Test against Pakistan in Pakistan was way back in 2005 when Michael Vaughan was the captain of the side.
Schedule of Tests:
1-5 December – 1st Test, Rawalpindi
9-13 December – 2nd Test, Multan
17-21 December – 3rd Test, Karachi
