Karachi, 15 September 2022 (TDI): For the first time in 17 years, the English cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for the T20 test series. The English cricket team arrived in Karachi Thursday morning.
The Pakistani nation is thrilled to welcome the England cricket team after 17 years on our home ground. We wish both teams all the best for the scheduled matches. pic.twitter.com/LSyeGgQEFz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 15, 2022
Additionally, the two teams will play seven T20s in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2. The first four matches of the series will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, while the last three will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket team ended up as runners-up in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Also Read: Pakistan reaches Super Four of Asia Cup
Moreover, the police officials also said strict security arrangements were made for the visiting English team. This will ensure their safe drive from the Karachi airport to the hotel.
Return of international cricket in Pakistan
The T20 test series revives international cricket in Pakistan.
The England squad has arrived at the team hotel in Karachi ✅#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/M5esMUlDMT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 15, 2022
As far as England is concerned, the team last toured in 2005 before Pakistan was forced to play international matches at neutral venues following an attack on the Sri Lankan team’s bus in Lahore in 2009.
However, international cricket has gradually returned since 2015. It did suffer another setback when New Zealand pulled out of a tour minutes before a one-day international was due to start in September last year citing security alerts. Additionally, a week later England scrapped tours to Pakistan by both its men’s and women’s teams.
In addition, Pakistan hosted Australia for the first time since 1998 earlier this year. With this T20 series against England, it is hoped that international cricket will soon be revived with the same spirit as in the country.
Response in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country of cricket enthusiasts and the news of the tour, as well as matches against the English team, was received zealously.
The Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan-ur-Rehman Mazari was one of the government officials who was excited for the England team touring the country almost after 17 years. He said that he sees the tour as a complete revival of international cricket in the country.
Additionally, England and Wales Cricket Board interim chief executive Clare Connor also remarked that “Pakistan cricket fans have waited for almost 17 years to see elite England players in action” underscoring the importance of the test series for Pakistani fans.”
