Pakistan to host Bangladesh, England and West Indies for seven Tests; New Zealand and South Africa to feature in ODI tri-series

[BouncerGuy]

PCB unveils details of 2024-25 home international season

• Pakistan to host Bangladesh, England and West Indies for seven Tests; New Zealand and South Africa to feature in ODI tri-series in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Pakistan to tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa for nine ODIs, nine T20Is and two Tests

• PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi: These series are a vital part of our strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international cricket and ensure long-term sustainability for the sport in our country

• BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury: The series presents a significant test for us, but it is also a chance to showcase our progress in this format

• ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould: We’re really excited to be returning to Pakistan for this three-match men’s Test tour in October

• CWI Chief Executive Johnny Grave: The 2006 series also had Tests in both Karachi and Multan, and we look forward to returning for a competitive series against another proud Test cricketing nation

Lahore, 5 July 2024:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.

In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.

In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.

Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.

Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.

In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.

The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).

With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.

Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.

PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi:

“It was critically important for us to finalise, lock and announce our 2024-25 home international cricket season now. This ensures that both the men's cricket team managements and the PCB event staff have sufficient time to prepare, plan and deliver these series to our very high expectations and standards, showcasing Pakistan as an outstanding cricket nation and the PCB as a thoroughly professional organisation.

“By announcing the complete schedule of home international matches, we are also inviting and encouraging our passionate local and traveling cricket supporters to plan their holidays. They will not only be entertained with some exciting and intense cricket, but also have the opportunity to explore this beautiful country, which has so much to offer.

“These series are a vital part of our strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international cricket and ensure long-term sustainability for the sport in our country. Through the 2024-25 home international cricket season, the PCB aims to promote, grow and develop the game by attracting new fans and audiences. This is also an excellent opportunity to commercially leverage the series and maximise revenue generation, which will be reinvested into player welfare, infrastructure development and enhancing the profile of our domestic and women’s cricket.

“The visits by five top cricket playing nations in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, followed by seven countries participating in the event proper over the next eight months, also highlight Pakistan’s standing and stature in international cricket. We deeply value the participation of these teams and players, who will bring immense talent and competitive spirit to our fields.”

Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury:

“We thank the PCB for confirming the schedule for Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan for the ICC World Test Championship matches.

“The series presents a significant test for us, but it is also a chance to showcase our progress in this format.”

Bangladesh men’s cricket team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto:

“As a team we are looking forward to returning to Pakistan for the ICC World Test Championship.

“Playing in Pakistan is always a challenging but an exciting prospect, and we will have to be at our very best to compete against a formidable home side in their backyard.”

England and Wales Cricket Board Chief Executive Richard Gould:

“We’re really excited to be returning to Pakistan for this three-match men’s Test tour in October.

“Our last men’s Test tour of Pakistan produced some memorable matches and I’m sure fans can look forward to more exciting cricket across this forthcoming series.”

Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave:

“We are pleased to be visiting Pakistan next January for the final Test Series in the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

“Whilst we have toured Pakistan many times in recent years, it will have been almost two decades since we last played Test cricket there. The 2006 series also had Tests in both Karachi and Multan, and we look forward to returning for a competitive series against another proud Test cricketing nation.”

SCHEDULE OF PAKISTAN’S HOME INTERNATIONAL MATCHES IN 2024-25:

Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)

21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi

30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, Karachi

England in Pakistan (Three Tests)

7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan

15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi

24-28 Oct – Third Test, Rawalpindi

West Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)

16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi

24-28 Jan – Second Test, Multan

New Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)

8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan

10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan

12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan

14 Feb – Final, Multan

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Schedule to be announced by the ICC; participating teams are: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa)

19 Feb-Opening match

9 Mar – Final

SCHEDULE OF PAKISTAN’S AWAY INTERNATIONAL MATCHES IN 2024-25:

Pakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)

4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne

8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide

10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth

14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane

16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney

18 Nov – Third T20I, Hobart

Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)

24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo

26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo

28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo

1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo

3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo

5 Dec – Third T20I, Bulawayo

Pakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)

10 Dec – First T20I, Durban

13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion

14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg

17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl

19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town

22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg

26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion

3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Thats a decent line up of fixtures. First time in many many years we have had such a test calendar ( I think) and the first time that there has been a tri-series. Need to give credit where its due on this schedule.

 

[Varun]

Pakistan are going for a T20 detox. 7 tests in a row!

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan are going for a T20 detox. 7 tests in a row!

Good for them. Only test format can cure the problems of these batters. They lack temperament.

 

[boomboomcheema]

Lot of Cricket lined up for Pakistan

Back to Back Test series against BD, England and WI at home. That's three test series in one season.

And so many LOI in other countries .

Treat for the fans.

 

[Sir Alex]

Pakistan are going for a T20 detox. 7 tests in a row!

5 tests in a row right ? They are touring Aus, Zim and SA before hosting the remaining 2 tests vs WI in Jan.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan are going for a T20 detox. 7 tests in a row!

More like shock therapy to get T20s out of their system

 

[Sunny_majoka]

10 tests in total till jan, impressive

 

[RidiculousMan]

10 tests in total till jan, impressive

Time for Saud Bradman to regain his high Average

 

[Nikhil_cric]

1 Test too many. Should only play 2 Test series like RSA. Should reduce the England tour to 2 Tests.

 

[Rana]

9 tests in a space of 6 months?

Good

 

[BouncerGuy]

This is what PCB should do. More test format for these weak guys because they don't want to work hard. This format will make them work hard and get them out of their comfort zone.

 

[Markhor]

Good set of fixtures. Shame we don't have any more international venues ready though. Lahore is getting a pre-CT refurb so can't play there. Multan and Karachi pitches will be really worn out.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Mohsin Naqvi has started the surgery

 

[MenInG]

Mohsin Naqvi has started the surgery

Has nothing to do with that. FTP stuff you cannot make that up as you go along.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Thats a decent line up of fixtures. First time in many many years we have had such a test calendar ( I think) and the first time that there has been a tri-series. Need to give credit where its due on this schedule.

No, the number of Test matches are pathetically low. Top sides still play 5 match long test series. I can't recall last time Pakistan played a 5 match Test series (or if our bowler can even last that long). Pakistan used to play them, when Pakistan was a force in Cricket. Pakistan has played some 4 match long test series (that too years ago under Misbah like the tour of England in 2016 ). But these 2 match long series are pathetic. Is it a coincidence? that the Teams (India, England, Australia etc) that play more tests are also generally stronger in all formats.

If Pakistan wants to rise in Cricket, it needs to focus on Tests. And play more, even if it is against teams like Ireland, BD or Zimababwe etc. Just play Tests. T20 leagues will give you nothing in terms of Cricket players growth.

 

[riddu]

So june, july, august holidays for the kids ... good job ...lazy board ..

 

[Savak]

Need to have the same wickets that we witnessed under Ehsan Mani, Wasim Khan ie equal opportunity for both teams, wickets favouring both pacers, spinners with good pace, bounce and where batters can enjoy stroke play as well.

 

[PakLFC]

I just hope it all goes ahead. We know how things can change in Pak with just one blast.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

1 Test too many. Should only play 2 Test series like RSA. Should reduce the England tour to 2 Tests.

Every test series should be atleast 3 tests.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Good set of fixtures. Shame we don't have any more international venues ready though. Lahore is getting a pre-CT refurb so can't play there. Multan and Karachi pitches will be really worn out.

Karachi needs a major upgrade too. As does Rawalpindi for that matter. All Pakistani stadiums are outdated by like 30 years in-terms of facilities.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The tri-series before the CT is perfect for preparation/getting combinations right. But somehow I feel we will be in chaos like always so it probably won't matter.

Really great to see so many test matches after a long time. When it rains, it pours: Pakistan either don't play any cricket for long periods of time or play alot in a short period of time. Can't say I'm complaining though.

 

[Kianig89]

Finally a proper cricket calendar for Pakistan, specially Test cricket which is one of the main factors to improve your team

 

[zn426]

If Pakistan wants to win, you want to prepare green mambas and rank turners. Ensure bowling is so easy that Pakistan can win in 3 days tops. It also shrinks the gap between England and Pakistani cricket as bazball will struggle when they can't attack every ball.

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

More like shock therapy to get T20s out of their system

Mohsin Naqvi has started the surgery

I dont get it, why is Naqvi getting the credit. These series are part of the WTC schedule.
And also, its common for teams to play plenty of ODIs before The ODI world cup and T20s before T20 world Cup and then take a pause after the respective championships. Kind of surprising how little ODIs Pakistan played in the pandemic years. and almost half of the against Zimbabwe and Netherlands

 

[BouncerGuy]

Good to see the number of test games in the coming months. T20 was getting boring as it can bring no betterment for this team.

Now these guys have to grind in almost 8-9 test games. Good work.

 

[mon858]

I really hope we can make somewhat sppeting pitches at home now that Ramiz and Babar aren't in charge. Otherwise home tests were totally useless.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Every test series should be atleast 3 tests.

Financially not viable and just eats up space in the calendar.

 

[Hikaru]

Would love to see the first two teams get smacked by Pakistan. Please keep Babar's average aside and prepare bowling wickets.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Financially not viable and just eats up space in the calendar.

It's financially viable for Pakistan. They just wouldn't make as much money, as they would from bilateral T20s. But sometimes you need to do something like this for bigger goal. A strong Pakistan is good for test cricket. And the only way you can get better is by playing.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

It's financially viable for Pakistan. They just wouldn't make as much money, as they would from bilateral T20s. But sometimes you need to do something like this for bigger goal. A strong Pakistan is good for test cricket. And the only way you can get better is by playing.

Doubt it. Tests are a loss making enterprise everywhere and especially so in places like PAK, SA, WI and SL .

Otherwise, they are too costly to host over 5 days and there is very little they make out of it.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Doubt it. Tests are a loss making enterprise everywhere and especially so in places like PAK, SA, WI and SL .

Otherwise, they are too costly to host over 5 days and there is very little they make out of it.

I guess we should all just give up then and let India, Australia and England play 10 match test series with against other. That will definitely be the best thing for the future of test cricket.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I guess we should all just give up then and let India, Australia and England play 10 match test series with against other. That will definitely be the best thing for the future of test cricket.

It's inevitable.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I guess we should all just give up then and let India, Australia and England play 10 match test series with against other. That will definitely be the best thing for the future of test cricket.

Test cricket HAS no future. It is truly alive only in India and Australia , nowhere else.

England are trying some innovative things but they got exposed in the Ashes and away in India

 

[riddu]

So june, july, august holidays for the kids ... good job ...lazy board ..

already india playing odis ..

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Test cricket HAS no future. It is truly alive only in India and Australia , nowhere else.

England are trying some innovative things but they got exposed in the Ashes and away in India

Ofcourse not. For that to happen you would need a more equitable system of revenue distribution, guaranteed minimum games for all nations, and a commitment for everybody to play everybody. But then again the easier thing to do is just to host 5 match test series against each other. Why try to do anything about the future of test cricket when you can just laugh yourself to the bank?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Ofcourse not. For that to happen you would need a more equitable system of revenue distribution, guaranteed minimum games for all nations, and a commitment for everybody to play everybody. But then again the easier thing to do is just to host 5 match test series against each other. Why try to do anything about the future of test cricket when you can just laugh yourself to the bank?

Equitable distribution from what ? From profits made in white ball cricket ?

Unless Tests are self sustaining , it's quite pointless.

 

[Hellion]

BD think stopped picking Mushfiq and Tamim in Tests.

They don't replacements for these 2.

Will struggle to score except from maybe Litton/Shakib(if they select)

Another low quality/one sided series coming.

 

[sweep_shot]

BD think stopped picking Mushfiq and Tamim in Tests.

They don't replacements for these 2.

Will struggle to score except from maybe Litton/Shakib(if they select)

Another low quality/one sided series coming.

Mushfiq, Tamim etc. are all old now. They are either retired or very close to retirements.

Better to play youngsters and make them ready.

 

[harshjoshi87]

Good to see a tri-series scheduled in.

Pakistan should play a tri-series annually.

 

[stani_pak]

It's financially viable for Pakistan. They just wouldn't make as much money, as they would from bilateral T20s. But sometimes you need to do something like this for bigger goal. A strong Pakistan is good for test cricket. And the only way you can get better is by playing.

Exactly and spot on comment