England and Pakistan to Play 7 T20I ahead of World Cup 2022

In preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia, which starts later in October, England will visit Pakistan for the first time in 17 years to play seven T20 Internationals in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2. The first leg of England’s lengthy tour of Pakistan, which will include three Test matches in December after the World Cup, will begin with these games.

The first four games will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on September 20, 22, 23, and 25, and the final three games will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 28, September 30, and October 2.

England had both men’s and women’s teams slated to go to Pakistan in October 2021, but they canceled due to worries about the players’ physical and emotional health in the era of Covid and strict bio-bubbles. Only three days had passed since New Zealand abruptly decided to cancel their tour of Pakistan. However, Pakistan recovered from that setback and hosted Australia this year.

Talking about the series PCB Director of International Cricket Zakir Khan said, “We are absolutely delighted to confirm hosting England for seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore as a curtain-raiser to a busy, entertaining and exciting season of home internationals.”

“England is one of the top-ranked T20I teams and them playing the shortest format in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan will not only help the team management to finalize their preparations but will also set the tone for December’s three-Test series.”

He further added, “We demonstrated our event planning and operational skills in the highly-successful series against Australia in March/April and I am confident we will be able to replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005. We have been able to confirm schedule of the T20Is following a successful tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board recce team, which was pleased and satisfied with all our arrangements.

“I am confident that the cricket fans, like they did in the series against Australia, will turn up in big numbers to support both the sides and also make our Diamond Jubilee celebration year an unforgettable one,” he concluded.

In addition to hosting England twice, Pakistan will also host New Zealand once in April for five ODIs and once in December-January 2023 for two Tests and three ODIs. Then, in late July, West Indies will travel to Pakistan. Next year, Pakistan will also host the Asia Cup for 50 overs.

Currently, England is placed at second position in ICC T20I Team’s Rankings while Pakistan is at the number 3 spot. Both the teams will look on to play quality cricket and prepare for the T20I World Cup that starts just after the series will conclude.