Australia's cricket team is touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years

The Australian team will tour Pakistan from March to April next year to play three Tests, three One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20 International, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday. Australia will end a 24-year absence from Pakistan after last touring the country in 1998 in a statement.

"Australia are one of the top performing teams and it will be a special treat for the fans to play in our backyard for the first time in 24 years.

The tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be held in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore, with all white ball games also taking place in Lahore. The two teams will meet on Thursday in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

"I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan," said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja. “From a personal point of view, I am extremely happy that we are involved in a three-test match series, connoisseurs are happy. Playing in our backyard for the first time in 24 years, Australia will be a special treat for the fans.

"Likewise, it will be a great opportunity for Australian cricketers to not only play in our legendary venues, but also to feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this great country offers, something that most of them have missed the previous generation of cricketers. " Play offshore. "

The first test match starts on March 3rd in Karachi, the second on March 12th in Rawalpindi and the third on March 21st in Lahore.

All three One-Day Internationals (ODI) will be held in Lahore - on April 29th, 31st and 2nd. The only Twenty20 International will also take place in Lahore on April 5th.

Nick Hockley, Chief Executive of Cricket Australia: "Cricket Australia is excited about the prospect of traveling to Pakistan next year for a highly anticipated series in a country so incredibly passionate about the game and its national team."

"Pakistan are formidable opponents with an exceptionally talented team, as evidenced by their dynamic performances in the current ICC T20 Men's World Cup in the United Arab Emirates," he added.