England’s Test Tour of Pakistan Finalized with Last-Minute Arrangements
England’s upcoming Test tour of Pakistan, scheduled for next month, has been finalized following a series of delays and adjustments. The tour will now feature back-to-back matches in Multan, with the final Test in Rawalpindi, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) approved the revised itinerary.
Originally, the three-match series—part of the ICC World Test Championship—was set to include a game in Karachi. However, ongoing renovations at the National Stadium, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, made the venue unavailable. Additionally, the second Test could not be held in Rawalpindi due to a major international conference in neighboring Islamabad on October 15-16, leading to speculation that the series could be moved to the UAE, with Abu Dhabi considered as an alternative.
In the end, the PCB decided to keep the series in Pakistan, with Multan hosting the first two Tests and Rawalpindi the third. England’s squad is expected to arrive in Multan on October 2, alongside the Pakistani team, with the first Test beginning on October 7. The second Test will follow shortly after, from October 15-19, before the teams travel to Rawalpindi for the final match, scheduled for October 24-28.
“PCB is thrilled to welcome the England men’s cricket team back to Pakistan,” said Usman Wahla, PCB Director, International. “Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to ensuring a memorable tour for both fans and players, and we look forward to a highly competitive Test series.”
The confirmation of the tour comes after weeks of uncertainty, during which England announced a 17-player squad. England head coach Brendon McCullum had expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the venues, which impacted their squad selection process.
While the announcement brings relief to both teams, the delay caused frustration for England’s fans, with some tour operators forced to cancel travel plans due to the lack of logistical information.
Revised Itinerary:
- First Test: October 7-11, Multan
- Second Test: October 15-19, Multan
- Third Test: October 24-28, Rawalpindi
The tour promises to be an exciting and competitive series, showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality despite the last-minute changes.
