On Tuesday, Pakistan and England begin a seven-match series in Karachi, the tourists’ first visit since 2005. England’s return follows Australia’s first trouble-free tour in 24 years, which boosted Pakistan’s cricket reputation. Pakistan was forced to play home matches in neutral venues following an attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009. England was slated to arrive last October, but New Zealand canceled due to safety concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was outraged by England’s decision, labeling it “disrespectful.” Pakistan and England prepare for the T20 World Cup in a long-anticipated series.
Pakistan and England prepare for the T20 World Cup in a long-anticipated series
In December, England will play a Test series in Pakistan, followed by a series in New Zealand. The tourists will seek revenge for recent Twenty20 series defeats to the West Indies (3-2), South Africa, and India (2-1). Pakistan was defeated by Sri Lanka in the T20 Asia Cup final last week in the UAE. Jos Buttler, the captain of the New England Patriots, is nursing a calf injury that could keep him out of the series.
Despite only being fit for the final two matches, Buttler felt it was vital to travel with his team. “Everyone wants to be ready for the World Cup,” says Buttler. Buttler predicted that Pakistan would be a difficult opponent. Moeen Ali has taken his place. Shan Masood believes Alex Hales’ return from a three-year drug suspension will help England’s batting. Masood, who starred for Derbyshire in the English T20 Blitz, will make his Pakistan Twenty20 debut.
“England will be a difficult opponent, but it will be excellent practise for the World Cup.” The first four games will be played in Karachi on September 20, 22, 23, and 25. The last three are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on September 28, 30, and 2. A head-of-state security barrier has been erected around England’s entourage.
4,000 police and paramilitary personnel will protect the teams and the stadium on game days. So, Spectators must park at least a mile away and be shuttled to the stadium after being searched for bags and bodies. Thus, twenty20 squads for two matches in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2.
Squad
Pakistan:Â Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir
England:Â Jos Buttler (capt), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Alex Hales, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Luke Wood, Mark Wood
