ECB confirm the schedule for Pakistan’s tour of England

While the cricketing world awaits the return of the game, there is more reason to celebrate for the fans of the gentleman's game. With not long to go before the first Test match between hosts England and the touring Windies, the England and Wales Cricket Board has now announced the confirmation of Pakistan’s tour of England. The series which is scheduled to kick off on the 5th of August will be preceded by three ODIs between England and neighbouring Ireland.

Old Trafford will play host to the first Test match between Pakistan and England beginning on August 5, before the focus shifts to Southampton for the next two tests scheduled for 13th and 21st August respectively. The tour will round off with 3 T20Is to be played on August 28, 30 and the 1st of September.

"Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again, but also to minimize the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels," said a delighted ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison.

"It has taken significant effort and expertise to allow us to reach a position where cricket is now ready and able to return to the field of play from the elite level to recreational cricket.”

"We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff, and administrators of the Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and co-operation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged.

"Sports fans across the world will benefit as international cricket returns to our screens while it will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we aim to withstand the challenges in front of us. It must be reiterated that there is still much work for the ECB and the cricket network to do as we try to plot a path through this pandemic,” he added.

[Cricbuzz inputs]