In a big boost to Pakistan
cricket, Australia have agreed to tour the country for a full series next year
for the first time in 24 years. Pakistan cricket suffered major blows when New
Zealand and England pulled out of their respective tours to the Asian country
ahead of the ongoing T20 World Cup. 

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Now,
Australia have agreed to play three Test matches – in Karachi (from March 3 to
7), Rawalpindi (from March 12 to 16) and Lahore (from March 21 to 25) as part
of the World Test Championship.

They
will also play three ODIs and one T20I in Lahore from March 29 to April 5, the
Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday. Australia had last toured Pakistan
in 1998. 

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In
September, New Zealand, who were already in Pakistan, went back home without
playing a game due to a security threat and soon after, England too announced
they won’t be touring the country ahead of the T20 World Cup, dealing a huge
setback to the PCB’s efforts in bringing high-quality international cricket to
the country.

“It pleases me no end that
we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight,” Raja
said in a statement. “Australia are one of the high-performing sides and
them playing in our backyard for the first time after a gap of 24 years will be
a special treat for the fans.”

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“Likewise, it will be a
great opportunity for the Australia cricketers to not only play at our iconic
venues but also feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this
great country offers, something which most of their previous generation of
cricketers missed out by playing offshore,” he said.

Cricket
Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said they will continue to work with PCB
to ensure foolproof security for their team.

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“We
thank the PCB for their considerable efforts in planning for the tour and look
forward to continuing to work closely over the coming months to finalise the
necessary operations, logistics, security and Covid-19 protocols.

“The
safety and welfare of our players and staff remains our number one priority,
and we will continue to work with the PCB and relevant agencies to ensure that
appropriate and sufficient arrangements are put in place for the tour,” he
said.

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CA’s
delegation will visit Pakistan to meet with PCB officials as well as provincial
and federal authorities to discuss and finalise matters relating to “team
operations, logistics, security and Covid-19 protocols”.