While the coronavirus has forced to postpone many cricket matches in recent times, Pakistan is still hopeful for their upcoming tour of England. Both boards will discuss the fate of this series soon while they can also add more Tests in their fixture.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already delayed beginning their new home season amid coronavirus outbreak. England had the plan to begin their new home season in international cricket with the three-match Test series against West Indies in early June, but it has been postponed, and there is no confirmation about the fate of this tour.
According to the FTP schedule, Pakistan will tour in England for the three-match Test series and three-match T20I series that will run from 30th July to 2nd September 2020. On 18th May, the ECB and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials will meet via video conference to discuss the fate of the forthcoming Pakistan tour of England.
England vs Pakistan Test series – it can be four-match or five-match series
The Test series between England and Pakistan will be the part of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship. While the coronavirus pandemic has destroyed the plan of recent international cricket, the Test series between England and Pakistan can run for the four or five matches Test series instead of three-match Test series.
According to PTI, a PCB source claimed, “At present we have to play three Tests and three T20 internationals but the number of Tests could be increased and the tour could start a bit early in July.”
However, PCB CEO Wasim Khan has clarified that they haven’t talked with the ECB yet to increase the number of Test matches in the upcoming England tour.
Khan said, “Things will be clear after the meeting but whatever decision we take we will consult our captains and head coaches before giving any confirmation.”
If this Pakistan tour of England happens, the visiting players likely have to face the quarantine period after landing in England. In the upcoming meeting, they are likely to talk about this and the other crucial aspects of the series like limiting the venues, empty stadiums etc.
However, some former Pakistan cricketers feel that the PCB shouldn’t rush for the upcoming England tour, especially when West Indies haven’t confirmed their England tour yet.