After Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, England is going to be a new team that will tour Pakistan in 2021. The Three Lions will play two Twenty20 Internationals in Karachi on October 14 & 15. It will be the first visit from England to Pakistan since 2005. Michael Vaughan was captain when England last toured Pakistan for three test matches and five ODIs.
England and Wales Cricket Board on Wednesday revealed that England will arrive in the southern port city of Pakistan on October 12. After completing the T20I series, both teams will fly to India on October 16 for the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan recently participated in England’s home summer during the pandemic outbreak for three test matches and three T20s. After this series, there was speculation about England’s Pakistan visit in the first half of 2021 but due to a hectic schedule, ECB rescheduled this visit for October 2021. It will help the England side to prepare for the T20 World Cup in India.
“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, ECB chief executive said.
PCB is planning to host England in the next 2022-21 cycle for the complete tour. Last year, MCC also traveled to Pakistan to play against the domestic sides.
The PCB expects England’s short tour will showcase Pakistan’s ability to host international matches and will encourage the visitors for their tour to Pakistan in the 2022-23 season.
“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,” Wasim Khan, PCB chief executive said.