PAK vs ENG T20: England, Pakistan build for T20 World Cup 2022 in long-awaited series
PAK vs ENG T20: Pakistan and England continue their build-up for next month’s T20 World Cup in Australia when they begin a seven-match series in Karachi on Tuesday — the tourists’ first visit since 2005.
The long-awaited return of England comes five months after Australia’s first trouble-free tour in 24 years, which helped Pakistan regain its reputation as a secure cricket playing nation.
Following years where they were had to play home matches in neutral venues due to a fatal attack on the Sri Lanka team van in 2009, international cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan.
The arrival of England was initially planned for October of last year but was abruptly postponed after New Zealand cancelled a tour due to safety concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board was incensed by England’s decision to leave the match, calling it “disrespectful” in light of their efforts to promote Pakistan as a safe travel destination.
In December, England, the current 50-over world champions, will play a Test series in Pakistan before welcoming back New Zealand.
After losing recent Twenty20 series to the West Indies (3-2), South Africa, and India, the visitors are eager to avenge those losses (both 2-1).
After losing to Sri Lanka in the T20 Asia Cup final last week in the UAE. Pakistan is trying to bounce back.
Joint training session for the Pakistan and England teams in the lead-up to the T20I series
#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/XMhyxvcbyy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2022
Jos Buttler, the captain of New England since longtime captain Eoin Morgan retired last year. And is recovering from a calf injury that may prevent him from playing in the series.
“It’s an important series for the build-up towards that World Cup,” said Buttler, who felt it vital to travel with his side despite only having a chance of fit for the final two matches. “Obviously the main aim for everyone is to turn up fully ready for that World Cup,” said Buttler.
“Pakistan are a very strong team and will give us a really tough challenge,” added Buttler.
Moeen Ali will lead the side in his absence.
Shan Masood, Pakistan’s top order batsman, believes that England’s batting will benefit from the explosive opener Alex Hales’ comeback. After spending three years on the sidelines after testing positive for a recreational substance.
“I think England are one of the best white-ball teams,” said Masood, who will make his T20 debut for Pakistan as a reward for scoring heavily for Derbyshire in the English T20 Blitz.
“England will pose a very good challenge for us. And it’s probably the ideal preparation to play one of the best sides before the World Cup.”
On September 20, 22, 23, and 25, Karachi will host the first four matches. While Lahore will host the remaining three on September 28, 30, and October 2.
The England entourage surrounded by a security cordon fit for a head of state, much as it successfully done for the Australia tour.
On match days, 4,000 police and paramilitary men would be on duty to protect the teams and stadium.
Fans must park at least a mile away and then brought to the stadium on special, secure buses. After passing through rigorous bag and body searches.
Squads for seven-match T20I series in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir.
England: Jos Buttler (capt), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Alex Hales, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Luke Wood, Mark Wood.
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