Test cricket will soon be returning to Pakistan after a decade with the two-match series against Sri Lanka set to be played in December. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the schedule of the series which is set to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The contest will also be part of the World Test Championship.

Currently, Pakistan is in Australia and is gearing up for the two-match Test series against the hosts. The tour will commence on December 3 and after only a week’s break, under the leadership of Azhar Ali, the Pakistan team will host Sri Lanka. Test cricket will be played for the first time in the country since 2009 when the visiting Sri Lanka team’s bus was attacked by the terrorists.

Even as the PCB has tried actively to invited international teams to the country over the past couple of years, none of them agreed played Test cricket. This series will hold huge importance overall for Pakistan in terms of international cricket returning to the country.

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PCB confirmed in its latest press release that the Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will commence on December 11 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The second and final Test will be played in Karachi at the National Cricket Stadium from December 19. The release also stated that the schedule was confirmed after Sri Lanka Cricket gave the thumbs up to visit the country.

Describing the same, SLC chief executive, Ashley de Silva said, “We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket. We also believe all cricket playing countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation, we are happy to play our part in the complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan, which not only has a proud history but has been one of our biggest supporters in our early days as a cricket nation.”

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The PCB director Zakir Khan thanked Sri Lanka for confirming their visit to Pakistan and said, “This is fabulous news for Pakistan cricket and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world. We are thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for agreeing to send their team for the longer version of the game, which will contribute significantly in the PCB’s efforts and drive for the regular resumption of international cricket, and help in its endeavors of attracting new audiences and the younger generation.”