Wait finally ends as Test cricket returns to Pakistan in Dec after 10 years

• Sri Lanka will play World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi in December.
• Cricket Sri Lanka gave their thumbs-up to fulfill their Future Tours Programme commitment following a highly successful visit for white-ball cricket.

Test cricket would finally make its much awaited return to Pakistan in December. A wait of some 10 years would be over when Sri Lanka will play their World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka would play their first Test at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from December 11 to 15, while the second Test will be held at the National Stadium from December 19-23.

“This is a fabulous news for Pakistan cricket and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world. We are thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for agreeing to send their team for the longer version of the game, which will contribute significantly in the PCB’s efforts and drive for regular resumption of international cricket, and help in its endeavours of attracting new audiences and younger generation,” said PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan in a statement.

Initially, Sri Lanka were scheduled to play Tests in October and then return in December for white-ball cricket, but the matches were swapped to provide them the opportunity to assess the situation before deciding on the Test venues.

The Test series schedule was confirmed on Thursday after Cricket Sri Lanka gave their thumbs-up to fulfill their Future Tours Programme commitment following a highly successful visit for white-ball cricket.

“We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as, based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket,” said SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva.

“We also believe all cricket playing countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation we are happy to play our part in complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan, which not only has a proud history but has been one of our biggest supporters in our early days as a cricket nation,” he added.

Tour schedule:

December 11-15 – 1st Test, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

December 19-23 – 2nd Test, National Stadium, Karachi