Pak to play 4 Tests in Eng

When Pakistan tour England for four Tests and a triangular one-day series, also involving Sri Lanka, between May and July next year, they will be playing a series that involves more than 3 Tests for the first time since 1992, which, incidentally, was also against England.

The itinerary also includes a Twenty20 international against England, and an amazing eight side-matches against County Championship sides. England host Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their home season next year, playing seven Tests, a triangular one-day series and two Twenty20 Internationals.

Pakistan were reportedly keen to play five Tests in England, but since the International Cricket Council’s [ICC] Future Tours Programme already fixed the itinerary, they would be playing four. Pakistan are currently cooling their heels at the moment, but they’re back in October, kicking off a cricket-packed year. A visit by England in October, a tour to India in January, the Asia Cup in February, and a tour to Sri Lanka for three Tests and three ODIs before leaving for England.

Pakistan have asked for the dates for the Asia Cup to be cleared by the ICC, as it was not included in the Future Tours Programme cycle. The Asian Cricket Council [ACC] is expected to decide the final schedule during their meeting in London later this month. This is the first time Pakistan will be hosting the event, with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and Oman all having confirmed their participation.