Following his meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Tom Harrison announced on Tuesday that England will play two additional men’s Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), in addition to the five originally planned for their Pakistan tour in September/October 2022.
After the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022, the men’s team would travel to Pakistan in November/December to play three Tests as part of the ICC World Test Championship.
“Myself and ECB Senior Director Martin Darlow, visited Lahore to discuss face to face with the PCB about some of the things that have transpired over the previous several weeks, resulting in the cancellation of our tour in October,” said Harrison. He said they also wanted to talk about the future because the two boards had a long history together and wanted to shift the conversation away from looking backward.
“We’re excited to announce that during our men’s trip to Pakistan in September/October 2022, we’ll play two extra white-ball T20Is,” said Harrison. After the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, Harrison said they would return to finish the Test match portion of the tour.
“This is just to reinforce our commitment to Pakistan cricket in terms of getting England teams, both men’s and women’s, to play at home in Pakistan,” said Harrison. “I don’t believe there is a cricketer in England who doesn’t want to put their skills to the test against the country’s immense talent and in the circumstances they are most familiar with.”
“We also discussed pathway interaction with our friends at the PCB, as well as how we might assist suggestions related to the women’s game and other fascinating ideas related to Pakistan’s domestic agenda,” furthered Harrison.
Raja meanwhile said that he was grateful to ECB’s Harrison and Darlow for showing ‘generosity’ in coming to Pakistan.
“We are delighted that England has agreed to play two more Twenty20 Internationals as part of their white-ball trip in September/October 2022. We go to great lengths to ensure that all visiting teams are at ease in Pakistan. As a result, Pakistani supporters are filled with pride as they prepare to welcome Australia and England in 2022,” he said.
Raja added that, “England has a fantastic team, and it’s incredible how many match-winners they’ve produced in the last five to seven years. They play engaging and attractive cricket, which is great for the spectators and great advertising for the game.”
