Australia Tour of Pakistan: Australia to tour Pakistan right after Ashes for a full tour: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the details of Australia’s first tour of Pakistan since 1998, which will take place in March and April 2022, and comprise three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I. Interestingly, the last few matches of the series will clash with IPL 2022 which may once again raise questions over PCB’s scheduling.
The series kickstarts with the first Tests taking place in Karachi (3-7 March). The second test will be conducted in Rawalpindi (12-16 March) and then the third in Lahore (21-25 March). Lahore will also host the four white-ball games that are scheduled to be played from 29 March to 5 April.
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The Tests will be played as part of the 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.
Australia’s Tour of Pakistan: PCB takes on IPL 2022, Australia’s return to Pakistan after 24 years to clash with revamped IPL
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, who played eight Tests and 18 ODIs against Australia, said, “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.
“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.”
Australia’s Tour of Pakistan: PCB takes on IPL 2022, Australia’s return to Pakistan after 24 years to clash with revamped IPL
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley: “Cricket Australia is excited about the prospect of touring Pakistan next year for what will be a highly anticipated series in a country so incredibly passionate about the game and their national team.
“Pakistan is a formidable opposition with an exceptionally talented team, as evidenced by their dynamic performances in the current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Australia’s Tour of Pakistan: PCB takes on IPL 2022, Australia’s return to Pakistan after 24 years to clash with revamped IPL
There are a few interesting points about this tour which are listed below:
- Australia are touring Pakistan after 24 long years for a full tour. They last visited Pakistan in 1998-99 when Mark Taylor led them to a 1-0 series victory.
- The three Tests will be played in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, while all the four white-ball games will be played in Lahore.
- PCB’s scheduling has once again raised eyebrows as the last few matches will clash with IPL 2022.
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