International cricket set for return to Faisalabad after 17 years

Faisalabad is set to host international cricket once again after a long gap of 17 years. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly planning to hold two T20I matches between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Faisalabad during the upcoming series.

Sources indicate that the Bangladesh team will tour Pakistan in the last week of May for a five-match T20 series. The matches are expected to take place on May 25, 27, and 30, followed by June 1 and 3.

According to reports, the first two matches of the series will likely be played at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of international cricket to the city. The last international match held at the venue was on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan hosted Bangladesh in a One Day International (ODI).

The remaining three T20I matches are expected to be held in Lahore. Initially, the series was planned to feature three ODIs and three T20Is. However, following discussions between the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the format was revised to five T20Is as both teams prepare for the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have met 19 times in T20I cricket, with Pakistan winning 16 matches and Bangladesh winning 3.