On Tuesday, Pakistan and England begin a seven-match series in Karachi on Tuesday, the tourists’ first visit since 2005. Five months ago, Australia went on its first tour without any problems in 24 years, which helped Pakistan’s cricket reputation.
After a 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka team bus, Pakistan was obliged to play home matches on neutral sites. England was supposed to arrive in October last year, but New Zealand canceled, citing safety concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board called England’s withdrawal “disrespectful” as they worked to show the country was safe. England will play a Test series in Pakistan in December, followed by New Zealand.
The tourists want to get back at the West Indies, South Africa, and India for losing to them in the last three Twenty20 series (3-2, 3-2, and 2-1). Pakistan lost the T20 Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka last week in the UAE. New England captain Jos Buttler is nursing a calf injury that could keep him out of the series.
Buttler thought it was important to travel with his team even though he was only healthy for the last two games. Buttler: “Everyone wants to be ready for the World Cup.” Buttler said Pakistan would be a tough opponent. His replacement is Moeen Ali. Shan Masood says Alex Hales’ return from a three-year drug ban will boost England’s batting.
Masood, who scored strongly for Derbyshire in the English T20 Blitz, will make his Twenty20 debut for Pakistan. “England will be a tough opponent, but it will be wonderful preparation for the World Cup.” The first four matches are in Karachi on September 20, 22, 23, and 25. The remaining three are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on September 28, 30, and October 2.
A head-of-state-style security cordon is being thrown around England’s entourage. On match days, 4,000 police and paramilitary troops will secure the teams and venue. Spectators must park at least a mile away and be shuttled to the stadium after bag and body searches.
Twenty20 squads for September 20-October 2 matches in Karachi and Lahore:
| Pakistan | England |
| Babar Azam (Captain) | Jos Buttler (captain/wicketkeeper) |
| Shadab Khan (vice-captain) | Moeen Ali (vice-captain) |
| Aamer Jamal | Harry Brook |
| Abrar Ahmed | Jordan Cox (wicketkeeper) |
| Asif Ali | Sam Curran |
| Haider Ali | Liam Dawson |
| Haris Rauf | Ben Duckett |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Richard Gleeson |
| Khushdil Shah | Alex Hales |
| Mohammad Haris | Tom Helm |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Will Jacks |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Dawid Malan |
| Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) | Adil Rashid |
| Mohammad Wasim | Phil Salt |
| Naseem Shah | Olly Stone |
| Shahnawaz Dahani | Reece Topley |
| Shan Masood | David Willey |
| Usman Qadir | Chris Woakes |
| Mark Wood | |
| Luke Wood |
