The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday that England National Cricket Team will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years when they will play two Twenty20 internationals in Karachi on 14 and 15 October, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

England will arrive in Karachi on 12 October, and both sides will depart for India on 16 October for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the end of the series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the tour following last month’s invite by the PCB for a short tour in January 2021.

Due to the non-availability of its top stars during that period as they will be busy in international cricket, the ECB proposed the short tour in October in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was welcomed by the PCB.

The TV channel reported that England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner said: “My goal since arriving in Pakistan has been to welcome the England Cricket Team back. 16 years of waiting is over, and I am delighted that England will play here in 2021.

“A lot of hard work behind the scenes has gone into making today’s news possible and I would like to thank everyone involved. International cricket needs the great stadiums of Pakistan full again – and this tour will do that.  UkPakDosti Zindabad!”

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20Is in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.

“The full-strength England squad will arrive at the backend of our home series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in the 2021-22 season, with England returning for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.”

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison: “It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s T20I squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and, as such, it represents a significant moment for both nations.

“As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with the PCB, and the ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans, he added.

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC T20 World Cup taking place in India during October and November 2021.”