England invited to Pakistan for 'short white-ball series' in 2021

LONDON: England men's cricket team has been invited to visit Pakistan for a "short white-ball tour" in 2021, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed.

"After discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), we can confirm the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received an invitation in respect of a short white-ball tour to Pakistan for England Men during the early part of 2021," ECB stated in a media release.

"We welcome the fact that international cricket is returning to Pakistan and are committed to doing what we can to help this develop further," it added.

While nothing has been confirmed, ECB said they will be working with their Pakistan counterparts in the coming weeks to sort the roadblocks. England have not toured Pakistan since 2005 and according to the Future Tours Programme (FTP), their next trip is scheduled only in 2022.

For the proposed tour, ECB have listed Covid-19 bio-secure bubbles, overall security in the country and an already busy schedule of the England cricket team as the primary challenges, but said no final decision has been taken yet.

"As with any proposed tour that takes place at this time, the safety and welfare of our players and staff is paramount," the release said. IANS

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