Faisalabad Returns to the International Cricket Scene

International cricket returns to Faisalabad as Pakistan gets ready to host Bangladesh in a five-match Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series, set to run from May 25 to June 3. The series will mark the first international match in Faisalabad in 17 years, reviving Iqbal Stadium’s historic legacy.

Historic Ground Set for Revival

Iqbal Stadium, a ground rich in cricketing history, will stage the first two T20Is on May 25 and 27. The venue last hosted an international match in April 2008. With 24 Test matches and 16 ODIs played here between 1978 and 2008, the stadium is set for a long-awaited return to the spotlight.

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Focus Shifts to T20 World Cup 2026

Originally planned as a three-ODI and three-T20I series under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, the format has now shifted. Both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed to convert the ODI leg into T20Is to align better with preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.

This change allows both teams to experiment with combinations and strategies under match pressure, making the series crucial for their development.

Lahore to Host Final Three Matches

After the action in Faisalabad, the teams will move to Lahore. Gaddafi Stadium will host the final three T20Is on May 30, June 1, and June 3. Lahore’s iconic venue promises high attendance and lively cricket as fans gear up for competitive fixtures.

Bangladesh to Arrive Early

The Bangladeshi squad will land in Pakistan on May 21. They’ll train at Iqbal Stadium from May 22 to 24 to acclimatize to conditions ahead of the opening matches.

Full 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

Fans can look forward to an exciting series that also brings one of Pakistan’s cherished venues back into the international fold.

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