Extra T20Is against BD as Faisalabad hosts international cricket after 17 years

Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad. —TheNews/File

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan for a five-match T20I series, set to begin on May 25, replacing the initially planned three ODIs and three T20Is in the Future Tour Programme (FTP).

The adjustment comes as both boards prioritise preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This series marks a historic return of international cricket to Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, which last hosted an ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh in April 2008.

The venue, which previously staged 24 Tests and 16 ODIs, successfully held the Champions One-Day Cup and National T20 Cup in recent months, making it a fitting site for Pakistan’s home series. Bangladesh will arrive in Pakistan on May 21, ahead of training sessions at Iqbal Stadium from May 22 to May 24.

Complete Series Schedule: May 25: 1st T20I: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

May 27: 2nd T20I: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

May 30: 3rd T20I: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

June 1: 4th T20I: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

June 3: 5th T20I: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced off 19 times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning 16 matches and Bangladesh securing three victories. Their last meeting was during the 2022–23 tri-nation series in New Zealand, where Pakistan lifted the trophy.

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