Cricket Australia on Friday confirmed its first tour of Pakistan since 1998, locking in a three-Test series despite lingering security concerns.
Australia will play Tests — in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore — fresh off the back of a comprehensive home Ashes victory against England.
They will also play three one day internationals and a T20 capping the month-long tour on April 5.
“Cricket Australia (CA) is pleased to confirm the Australian men’s team tour of Pakistan has been endorsed by the CA Board.
It is the first time since 1998 that the national men’s squad will tour Pakistan. CA thanks the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).”
— Malcolm Conn (@malcolmconn) February 4, 2022
“The tour will proceed for the first time in 24 years. This is a historic occasion and important for the global growth and health of the game,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.
The tour will be a huge boost for Pakistan, which was hit hard when New Zealand and England abandoned recent tours over security concerns.
Cricket-mad Pakistan has struggled to entice foreign sides back after home internationals were suspended after a deadly terror attack on the Sri Lanka Test side in 2009.
Pakistan were forced to play their home international matches abroad — mostly in the United Arab Emirates — until 2015, when normal service tentatively resumed.
Read more: Australia to tour Pakistan after 23 years
“We are looking forward to an exciting series between two world-class teams,” said Hockley.
The fixtures are:
March 4-8: 1st Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: 2nd Test, Karachi
March 21-25: 3rd Test, Lahore
March 29: 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
March 31: 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi
AFP with additional input by GVS News Desk