Posted by Cricket Australia (CA) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed dates for matches across all three formats, 34 day tour locked in for Australia as they visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. 1998 was the last time when Australia toured Pakistan and the tour is fondly remembered for Mark Taylor’s mountain of 513 runs in just 5 innings.
The series will commence with 3 test matches, the opening test will be played at Karachi from 3rd to 7th of March, the second at Rawalpindi from 12th to 16th of March and the final, third test will be played at Lahore from 21st to 25th. Three ODI’s next in line at Lahore on 29th, 31st of March and the final ODI on 2nd of April. An only T20I will be played at Lahore on 5th of April to wrap-up the tour.
PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja said,”It pleases me no end that we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight, 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. 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 chief executive, Nick Hockley said,”continue to work closely over the coming months to finalise the necessary operations, logistics, security and COVID-19 protocols. The safety and welfare of our players and staff remains our number one priority, and 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.”
New Zealand and England had called off their respective tours of Pakistan citing security concerns, Australia now are set to revive men’s international cricket in Pakistan.
Bureau of sports 