Australia is all set to tour Pakistan after a period of 24 years for three Test matches, three One day International and a T20 International next year as confirmed by Pakistan Cricket Board. Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore will be hosting three-Test match series, and limited over portion matches will be entirely played in Lahore from March 29th-April 5th 2021.
The Test matches played between these two sides will be part of the World Test Championship Cycle and the ODI series will also be counted towards World Cup Super League.
Mark Taylor led Australia to a 1-0 victory in the last Test series they played in Pakistan in 1988. But the couple of other series post 1988 Pakistan have hosted Australia four times at neutral venues in UAE.
“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,” PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said in a statement.
“Likewise, it will be a great opportunity for the Australia cricketers to not only play at our iconic venues but also feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this great country offers, something which most of their previous generation of cricketers missed out by playing offshore.”
Cricket Australia head Nick Hockley have acknowledged the efforts of the PCB in planning the tour and said he looked forward to close cooperation to finalise the necessary operations, logistics, security and COVID-19 protocols.
“The safety and welfare of our players and staff remains our No. 1 priority,” Hockley said in a statement. “We will continue to work with the PCB and relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate and sufficient arrangements are put in place for the tour.”
Pakistan and Australia will also meet in the semifinal round of the T20 World Cup 2021 at Dubai in Thursday.
