PCB reveals schedule of Australia’s tour to Pakistan

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced schedule for Australia’s upcoming tour to Pakistan on Monday, GNN reported.

The Men in Green are due to face Kangaroos in one T20I which will be followed by three One Day Internationals (ODI) and three Test series against the Australia.

The Tests will be played as part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship, while the ODIs will be connected to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League – a 13-team event from which the seven highest-placed sides and the hosts, India, will qualify directly for the event proper in 2023.

The Tests will take place in Karachi (3-7 March), Rawalpindi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March).

It is pertinent to mention here that Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998-99. Thus, the Australian team is visiting after 23 years. 

Moreover, Pakistan staged the last four series with Australia offshore – 2002-2003 (Colombo and Sharjah, Pakistan lost 3-0), 2010 (drew 1-1 in England), 2014-15 (won 2-0 in the UAE) and 2018-19 (won 1-0 in the UAE).

pic.twitter.com/u4E2giSHaw 

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 8, 2021

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— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 8, 2021

Punjab’s provincial capital will be the venue for the four white-ball matches slated to be played from 29 March to 5 April.

Following this historic development, the Cricket Australia delegation will visit Pakistan to meet PCB officials as well as provincial and federal officials to discuss team’s operations, logistics, security and COVID-19 protocol.

Ramiz Raja calls three-Test series a "Connoisseurs delight"

Commenting on the news, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja called the three-Test series a "connoisseurs delight".

“I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan. From a personal point of view, it pleases me no end that we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight,” said Ramiz Raja.

He further added, “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”.

Schedule

3-7 Mar – 1st Test, Karachi

12-16 Mar – 2nd Test, Rawalpindi

21-25 Mar – 3rd Test, Lahore

29 Mar – 1st ODI, Lahore

31 Mar – 2nd ODI, Lahore

2 Apr – 3rd ODI, Lahore

5 Apr – only T20I, Lahore