For the first time in the previous 17 years, the England cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Thursday in preparation for a seven-match T20I series that will begin on September 20. English athletes last competed in Pakistan in 2005. They were due to return last year, but at the last minute, New Zealand withdrew from the tour due to safety concerns.
After a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan was forced to play international games in neutral locations like the United Arab Emirates. In 2012 and 2015, they hosted England for a series in the UAE.
Over the past five years, international cricket has gradually made a comeback in Pakistan, and earlier this year, Australia completed a successful trip there for the first time in almost 25 years.
The visit coincides with severe floods in Pakistan that have affected at least 33 million people and inundated around a third of the nation.
As both countries get ready for the T20 World Cup in Australia next month, the 19-man England team, captained by Jos Buttler, will play seven Twenty20 matches against Pakistan in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2.
In December, England will make a comeback to play three five-day Test matches.
To enhance cricket fans’ TV viewing experiences worldwide, the Pakistan Cricket Board has brought a commentary crew for the historic seven Twenty20 Internationals between Pakistan and England.
The seven matches, which will be played in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2, will be narrated by renowned English commentators David Gower and Mark Butcher as well as Pakistani cricket greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan, and Urooj Mumtaz.
Throughout the season, these analysts will also provide analysis during pre- and post-match broadcasts that are hosted by renowned presenter Zainab Abbas.
