A look at all the international cricket, Test, ODI and T20I, that Pakistan are set to play in a hectic schedule in 2021.
Pakistan are currently embroiled in their first full international series of 2021, a two-Test series against South Africa at home.
Now captained by Babar Azam in all formats, Pakistan have a bumper year ahead of them, with several bilateral series, another edition of the Pakistan Super League, and a T20 World Cup campaign for which they will have high hopes.
Having gone down 2-0 in New Zealand in a series which spanned 2020 and 2021, ending the former year with a moment to savour, they are faring far better against South Africa, leading 1-0 and well-placed in the second.
Here is the full Pakistan cricket schedule for 2021:
Note: Some of these fixtures are in the ICC Future Tours programme, but the exact dates are yet to be confirmed by the relevant member boards. One series in the FTP which appears cancelled is Bangladesh’s post-T20 World Cup visit, which received no mention in a release from the PCB.
Pakistan in New Zealand (December 2020-January 2021)
Three T20Is, two Tests
Pakistan went down 2-1 in the three-match T20I series before succumbing 2-0 in the Tests as New Zealand completed a dominant sweep of their home red-ball summer. However, the tourists came close to disrupting the Black Caps’ hegemony in the first Test, getting agonisingly close to securing a draw.
South Africa in Pakistan (January-February)
Two Tests, three T20Is
A two-Test series, part of the World Test Championship, will lead into a three-game T20 bout against the Proteas. The tour marks South Africa’s first of the country since 2007.
Pakistan Super League (February-March)
Pakistan’s best players will all be involved in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League. The playoffs for the 2020 edition were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic until November 17, so if you’re thinking that you just watched the PSL, you’re right, in a way. Babar’s Karachi Kings won the title last year.
Pakistan in Zimbabwe (April)
Two Tests, three T20Is
Following hot on the heels of Zimbabwe’s late 2020 tour of Pakistan comes a return visit for two Tests – not part of the WTC – and another bilateral short-form encounter. Pakistan won five out of the six games on Zimbabwe’s visit, but lost the third ODI in a dramatic super over finish.
Asia Cup in Sri Lanka (June)
Last played in 2018, the Asia Cup will be a T20I competition this time around. The 2020 edition was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and reports suggest India are unlikely to take part in this edition.
Pakistan in England (July)
Three ODIs, three T20Is
Pakistan will continue their run of playing international cricket in England, as they have done in every year from 2016 onwards. This time it’s three ODIs, part of the Cricket World Cup Super League, and three T20Is, making it an all white-ball affair.
Pakistan in West Indies (July-August)
Three Tests, three T20Is
The first of two series played between Pakistan and West Indies in 2021. This one will see the two sides play three Tests and T20Is in the Carribean.
Pakistan v Afghanistan in the UAE (September)
Three ODIs
Pakistan will hope their days of playing in the United Arab Emirates as their adopted home are over, with the return of top-level cricket to the country returning smoothly. However, they will still have to make a journey to the popular tourist destination in 2021 to play Afghanistan, who are yet to play a home international. This series will also form part of the Cricket World Cup Super League.
New Zealand in Pakistan (October)
Three ODIs, three T20Is
The three ODIs will form part of the Cricket World Cup Super League. With Pakistan having a jam-packed schedule from October onwards, this could well be a tightly packed tour.
England in Pakistan (October)
Two T20Is
A short tour, but a hugely significant one, marking England’s return to Pakistan for the first time since 2005. The games will be played as double-headers with T20Is played by the two countries’ women’s sides.
T20 World Cup (October-November)
Pakistan have spent a significant amount of time since the last global T20 event atop the ICC rankings, but sketchy form in the past couple of years has seen them slip to fourth. The preceding series against England, the current No.1 ranked side, should serve as good preparation.
Pakistan in Bangladesh (November-December)
Two Tests, three T20Is
The T20 World Cup won’t see Pakistan’s commitments in T20I cricket diminish, with three T20Is against Bangladesh making up a significant chunk of their mooted visit. However, while this tour is in the ICC’s FTP, it may well be axed.
West Indies in Pakistan (December)
Three ODIs, three T20Is
To round out the year, Pakistan have West Indies in their schedule for the second time in 2021, with a Cricket World Cup Super League series and a three-match T20I series set for December.
