The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), looking beyond their disappointment in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, unveiled an extensive 2024–25 season for the men’s national cricket team. They announced a significant Test series against England scheduled for October, which will contribute to the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 (WTC 2023–25). This upcoming tour by the England cricket team, led by Ben Stokes, marks their second visit to Pakistan within a span of two years, underscoring the growing cricketing relations between the two nations.

Pakistan set to host England in a Test series in October 2024

Following their historic 3-0 series triumph against Pakistan in December 2022, England is set to renew their rivalry in an upcoming Test series of equal magnitude. The series will comprise three matches, commencing with the First Test in Multan on October 7, 2024. Subsequently, the teams will move to Karachi for the second Test starting on October 15, with the final Test scheduled in Rawalpindi on October 24, 2024.

Upon confirmation of the Pakistan versus England Test series by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed his anticipation and delight at the prospect of England’s return to Pakistan for this significant cricketing encounter in October of this year.

In a statement released by the PCB, Richard Gould expressed his enthusiasm for England’s upcoming three-match Test tour in Pakistan this October. He highlighted the excitement surrounding their return to Pakistan, recalling the memorable matches from their previous tour. The fixtures for the Pakistan vs England Test series are as follows:

• The First Test will take place at Multan International Cricket Stadium from October 7 to 11.
• The Second Test is scheduled at National Stadium in Karachi from October 15 to 19.
• The Third and Final Test will be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 24 to 28.

Meanwhile, the PCB announced Pakistan’s upcoming home season schedule, which includes:

• A two-match Test series against Bangladesh in August.
• A three-match Test series against England in October.
• A two-match Test series against the West Indies in January 2025.

These series are expected to be pivotal in shaping Pakistan’s international cricket calendar, showcasing competitive cricket across various venues in the country.

Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)

21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi

30 Aug -3 Sep – Second Test, Karachi

Pakistan Cricket Team will have a busy 2024-25 season

Pakistan’s cricket calendar is packed with international engagements leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After missing out on the Super-8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan is gearing up for a series of challenges. They are scheduled to tour Australia and Zimbabwe for white-ball series in November and December, followed by a comprehensive series in South Africa later this year.

Looking ahead, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa in a significant four-match ODI tri-series in February 2025, marking the return of ODI tri-series to Pakistan after 21 years. This event serves as a crucial buildup to the ICC Champions Trophy, which will feature eight participating teams.

Meanwhile, England’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 ended in disappointment with a heavy defeat in the semifinals against eventual champions India, who clinched the title by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final on June 29.