(AP Photo)
Breaking its usual practice of last-minute announcements for international series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a significant departure by confirming on Friday a packed schedule for the men’s team in the 2024/25 season. This includes nine Test matches, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is, with a highlight being a prestigious series against England.
In October this year, Pakistan will host England for a three-match Test series. Additionally, tours by Bangladesh and the West Indies are also slated as part of the upcoming season’s itinerary.
“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,” said Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a comprehensive international schedule for the 2024/25 season, starting with Bangladesh playing two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). This will kick off a packed season that culminates with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed on March 9.
Pakistan will host England for a three-Test series in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October), and Rawalpindi (24-28 October). Following this, the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January).
A tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa is also on the cards as a build-up to the Champions Trophy, scheduled for Multan (February 8-14).
During this period, Pakistan will embark on tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, featuring nine ODIs and as many T20Is, alongside two Tests from November 4 to January 7.
Bangladesh’s tour marks their return to Pakistan since 2020, while England recently visited in December 2022, winning the three-match series 3-0. The West Indies, on the other hand, haven’t played a Test series in Pakistan since 2006.
To avoid overlapping with the Champions Trophy, the PCB has scheduled the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) in the April/May window, a departure from its usual February-March slot since its inception in 2016.
Notably, the nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
“This ensures that both the men’s cricket team management 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,” Naqvi added.
He emphasized that Pakistan greatly values these teams’ commitment to touring the country.
“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,” he said.
