Lord's launches neutral Test series

19 November 2009

Pakistan fans came out in force for the World Twenty20, and the ECB hopes for a similar response for the Australia Tests

The England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board were last night joined by leading lights from the British Pakistani community as sport, glamour and business came together to launch the Pakistan versus Australia series that will take place in England next summer.

The high-profile event, which was held at Lord’s, was hosted by ECB chairman Giles Clarke and Ijaz Butt, chairman of the PCB.

Attendees included the Pakistan batsman Younus Khan, Mr Wajid Shamsul Hassan, the Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and the Minister of Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP.

Pakistan will play two Test matches against Australia, at Headingley Carnegie and Lord’s during July 2010.

Edgbaston will then host the teams for two Twenty20 matches later in the month.

These matches will precede Pakistan’s series against England, which starts in August, and will see them play four npower Tests, a five-match NatWest one-day international series and two NatWest Twenty20 international matches.

Speaking after the launch event in London, Clarke said: “We are delighted the Pakistan Cricket Board has accepted our invitation to host this high-profile series in England.

“A strong Pakistan cricket team is essential for the continued growth of cricket, and especially Test match cricket, around the world.

“If tonight’s event was anything to go by I am certain the Pakistan team will be afforded a fantastic reception when they arrive on these shores next year and we are confident they’ll be playing in front of large and enthusiastic crowds.”

Butt added: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Giles Clarke and the ECB for offering to host these matches and believe it demonstrates the strength of the bond that ties together not only the family of cricket but also our two countries.

“I am sure the Pakistan cricket team will meet with a fantastic reception when they take to the pitch next summer in what promises to be a fantastic Test match and Twenty20 series against Australia.”

Younus also commented: “Although nothing will quite replace playing in Pakistan I think the reception we will get, especially from the British Pakistani community, will make these matches very special.

“As players it is essential we have the opportunity to continue playing against the best players in the world and it doesn’t come much harder than playing Australia.”

The PCB and ECB are jointly looking for commercial partners for these series. Any brands interested should contact either governing body for more information.