Faisalabad is set to welcome international cricket back after a 17-year gap, hosting two out of five T20Is against Bangladesh this May. The Iqbal Stadium, which has previously been a venue for 24 Tests and 16 ODIs, will be opening its gates to T20 International cricket for the very first time on 25 and 27 May. The remaining fixtures will unfold at Lahore’s rejuvenated Gaddafi Stadium, marking the national team’s first international appearance there since its overhaul. To beat the sweltering summer heat, all matches are set to commence at 8pm.
This inclusion of Faisalabad into Pakistan’s international cricket roster makes it the fifth city in the country to host such matches post the resumption of cricket following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team which paused international cricket for nearly a decade. Now, Faisalabad joins Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan in rejuvenating Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
Initially, the upcoming Bangladesh tour to Pakistan was slated to encompass both T20I and ODI fixtures. However, the boards opted to convert it into an all T20I series to gear up for the imminent T20 World Cup due early next year in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will land in Pakistan on 21 May, with the final match of this series scheduled for 3 June. Notably, a reciprocal series in Bangladesh has been proposed for July, potentially featuring four T20Is, though confirmation is still awaited.
Coordinator and cricket analyst, Danyal Rasool, noted, “Pakistan’s calendar is rather packed, with this series kicking off just a week post the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League on 18 May.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh is currently in the midst of hosting a two-Test series against Zimbabwe.
As both teams prepare, stakeholders and fans alike are eager to witness this cricketing event, which holds historical significance for Pakistan’s home series and supports both teams in refining their strategies for the upcoming global tournament.
Danyal Rasool serves as ESPNcricinfo’s expert on Pakistan cricket. Follow him @Danny61000.
