England, Pakistan
England vs Pakistan [Photo-Getty]
England Cricket Team will return to Pakistan after a hiatus of 16 years when they lock horns with the Babar Azam-led unit in two Twenty20 International matches in Karachi in October as part of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in India in October-November 2021.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had initially invited England to tour the terror-ravaged nation in January but with the latter set to tour Sri Lanka and India during the course of the entire winter season besides the number of English players being involved in the Big Bash League, the trip was deemed unfeasible.

England vs Pakistan
Image Credit: ICC Twitter

Both PCB and ECB have now agreed for the series to go ahead in October which also ensures that England with travel to Pakistan with their first-choice players rather than sending a second-string team.

England will arrive in Pakistan two days before the series begins. The two T20Is will take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on October 14 and October 15 post which they will depart for India to participate in the T20 World Cup.

 “The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world,” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said.

“The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence. The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure.” he added.

The talks of England touring Pakistan for the first time since the winter of 2005 have been doing the rounds as part of ECB’s return of favor after the former traveled to the UK amidst raging Covid-19 to play in the bio-secure bubbles last summer. Should the two T20Is go ahead without any hiccup, it would pave way for the three-match Test series between the two nations, which is originally set to take place in Pakistan in 2022 as per the Future Tour Program.

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”It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s IT20 squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. It represents a significant moment for both nations. As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with PCB 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,” Tom Harrison said.

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. 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.” he added.

 

England tour of Pakistan 2021

1st T20I- October 14

2nd T20I- October 15

Venue- National Stadium, Karachi