Australia to tour Pakistan in 2022

The multi-format series, which includes three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I, will mark Australia’s first tour of Pakistan for 24 years

Australia’s men’s team will tour Pakistan next March, bringing to an end their 24-year absence from the country.

The month-long tour, which is scheduled to run from March 3 to April 5, will feature three Test matches, three ODIs and a one-off T20I. Karachi and Rawalpindi will each stage a red-ball fixture while the final Test match and four white-ball fixtures will be held in Lahore.

Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998 for a three-match Test series and three ODIs. The visitors won the former series 1-0 and the latter 3-0.

A subsequent tour was scheduled for 2002 but was later moved to Colombo and the UAE following a suicide bombing in Karachi. Street violence following Pakistan’s general election then prevented Australia from visiting the country in 2008 before the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus put paid to all international cricket in the country for several years.

^{Mark Taylor scored 334 not out in the second Test during Australia's last visit to Pakistan}

Earlier this summer, New Zealand, England Men and England Women pulled out of limited overs tours to the country, citing security concerns. Confirmation of Australia’s tour is therefore a huge boost for cricket in Pakistan, with PCB chairman Ramiz Raja stating: "It pleases me no end that we'll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight.

"Australia are one of the high-performing sides and them playing in our backyard for the first time after a gap of 24 years will be a special treat for the fans.

"Likewise, it will be a great opportunity for the Australia cricketers to not only play at our iconic venues but also feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this great country offers, something which most of their previous generation of cricketers missed out by playing offshore."

Addressing the security of the tour, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, Nick Hockley, said: "The safety and welfare of our players and staff remains our number one priority, and we will continue to work with the PCB and relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate and sufficient arrangements are put in place for the tour."

Fixtures

March 3-7: First Test (Karachi)

March 12-16: Second Test (Rawalpindi)

March 21-25: Third Test (Lahore)

March 29: First ODI (Lahore)

March 31: Second ODI (Lahore)

April 2: Third ODI (Lahore)

April 5: Only T20 (Lahore)