Rawalpindi to host tour-opening first Test against Australia

The tour-opening first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from March 4 © Getty
Cricket Australia have confirmed that its men's team will travel to Pakistan for the first time in 24 years and will play the hosts in three Tests, three ODIs and a solitary T20I on their tour starting March 4.

The revised itinerary will see Rawalpindi host the tour-opening first Test, swapping with Karachi which will now host the second Test from March 12. The schedule was revised to ease logistical and operational challenges as well as to avoid Pakistan Day rehearsals, which usually commence in Islamabad in the second week of March.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be the venue for the final Test. The teams will then return to Rawalpindi where each of the four white-ball games will be played between March 29 and April 5. The three Tests will count towards the ICC Test Championship standings while the ODIs will be part of the World Cup Super League.

Matches Schedule:

Date Match Venue
Mar 4-8 1st Test Rawalpindi
Mar 12-16 2nd Test Karachi
Mar 21-25 3rd Test Lahore
Mar 29 1st ODI Rawalpindi
Mar 31 2nd ODI Rawalpindi
Apr 2 3rd ODI Rawalpindi
Apr 5 Only T20I Rawalpindi
As per an agreement between the two board, Australia's Test side will complete their isolation in Australia, before arriving in Islamabad on February 27 on a chartered flight. After a one-day room isolation, they will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The white-ball players are expected to arrive in Lahore on March 24.

The formal go-ahead from Cricket Australia marks a significant milestone towards marquee teams returning to play in Pakistan, even if some touring players continue to harbour concerns. New Zealand and England cancelled tours to Pakistan late last year, citing fears over security. The ECB, though, have since agreed to tour Pakistan in late 2022 for seven T20Is and three Tests, either side of the T20 World Cup.

"We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side's five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years," PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain said. "We are really excited to host Pat Cummins and his players, and look forward to a competitive series that will comprise three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I.

"While Australia will arrive at the back of strong performances in their home series against England, our team has been playing excellent cricket resulting in our players sweeping the ICC Awards. This braces for a keenly contested series, something that the fans will thoroughly enjoy and remember for a long time."