Pakistan cricket fans are in for a treat. The 2024-25 season will be the country’s busiest home Test season this century. Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies will tour Pakistan for a total of seven Test matches between August 2024 and January 2025. This packed schedule promises thrilling cricket action.
Kicking Off with Bangladesh
The season starts with Bangladesh playing two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi from August 21 to September 3. This is unusual as Pakistan typically avoids hosting matches in August due to high heat and humidity. Monsoon rains add another challenge. The last time Pakistan hosted Tests in August was in 2003, also against Bangladesh.
England’s Exciting Visit
Following Bangladesh, England will tour Pakistan for three Tests. The matches are set for Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi from October 7 to 28. This series is expected to draw huge crowds and excitement, given England’s recent form and strong team.
Tour of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa
After hosting England, Pakistan will embark on a tour of Australia and Zimbabwe for limited-overs matches. They will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Australia from November 4 to 18. This will be followed by three ODIs and three T20Is against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo from November 24 to December 5.
The action doesn’t stop there. Pakistan will then head to South Africa for an all-format series. The tour starts with T20Is from December 10 and ends with two Tests from December 26 to January 7 in Centurion and Cape Town.
West Indies Series to Wrap Up
The West Indies, whose tour was postponed earlier this year, will visit Pakistan for two Tests in Karachi and Multan from January 16 to 28. Originally, three T20Is were also planned, but they have been dropped from the schedule.
World Test Championship Points at Stake
All seven home Tests will be part of the World Test Championship. Pakistan, currently fifth in the standings, will aim to climb higher with strong performances at home.
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ODI Tri-Series Before the Champions Trophy
Following the Test series, Pakistan will host an ODI tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand from February 8 to 14. All four matches will be played in Multan.
Lahore Awaits Stadium Redevelopment
Interestingly, Lahore won’t host any fixtures until the Champions Trophy due to redevelopment work at Gaddafi Stadium. The PCB is confident that the stadium will be ready in time for the Champions Trophy, the first ICC event Pakistan will host in 29 years.
Champions Trophy Anticipation
The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, is highly anticipated. However, it’s uncertain if India will participate, given their reluctance to travel to Pakistan since international cricket resumed in the country in 2015.
Full Schedule at a Glance
Tests against Bangladesh
- Aug 21-25: First Test, Rawalpindi
- Aug 30-Sep 3: Second Test, Karachi
Tests against England
- Oct 7-11: First Test, Multan
- Oct 15-19: Second Test, Karachi
- Oct 24-28: Third Test, Rawalpindi
Tests against West Indies
- Jan 16-20, 2025: First Test, Karachi
- Jan 24-28: Second Test, Multan
ODI Tri-Series vs NZ and SA
- Feb 8: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Multan
- Feb 10: New Zealand vs South Africa, Multan
- Feb 12: Pakistan vs South Africa, Multan
- Feb 14: Final, Multan
Champions Trophy
- Feb 19 – Mar 9: Dates TBA
The 2024-25 season promises to be a cricketing bonanza for Pakistan, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of top-tier international cricket to their home grounds.
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