England's first tour to Pakistan since 2005 confirmed for October 2021

England’s first trip to Pakistan for 16 years has been confirmed for October next year, adding to an already packed winter that will now see the team playing on five different tours.

Plans for England to go to Pakistan in January were shelved because it would have clashed with a Test tour to Sri Lanka. Several one-day players had already signed up for the Big Bash as well which would have weakened the England side further.

England did not want to cheapen international caps by picking a third XI and both boards agreed such a landmark tour, albeit a very short one, should be completed by a full strength side.

England will now arrive in Pakistan on October 12 and stay for four days, playing two Twenty20 matches in Karachi. Both teams will fly to India on October 16 for the Twenty20 World Cup.

It is in addition to cricket scheduled under the future tours programme. England will now play a one-day series in Bangladesh, two T20s in Pakistan, a World T20 in India before going to Australia for the Ashes. The winter of 2021-22 will end with a three match Test tour of the Caribbean.

England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five one-day Internationals. Subsequent series in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be the first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and as such it represents a significant moment for both nations,” said

Tom Harrison, ECB chief executive officer.

“As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with PCB and [the] ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans.

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working [closely] with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing Covid-19 pandemic.”

The tour is a significant achievement for Wasim Khan, the British chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board who has overseen the return of international cricket to Pakistan.  “England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20s will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe. The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly,” he said.