Lahore, 11 October 2020: Pakistan will launch its bid to qualify directlyfor the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by taking on Zimbabwe in the threeICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches in Rawalpindi on 30October, 1 and 3 November, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed today.
The ICC has introduced the Super League to provide context to ODI cricketand will serve as a qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023with the hosts and other top seven sides automatically booking their spotsfor the India event. Featuring 13 teams, the 12 Test playing countries andthe Netherlands, the Super League will see each side play four home andfour away three-match series.
The three ODIs were originally scheduled for Multan, but have been moved toRawalpindi due to logistical and operational challenges.
The change in the venue also means Lahore will now stage the three Twenty20Internationals on 7, 8 and 10 November. These matches were initiallyplanned to take place in Rawalpindi.
Explaining the changes, PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khansaid: “After Multan became unavailable due to logistical and operationalreasons, we took the opportunity to revisit the entire schedule and havecome up with an itinerary that is suitable for the teams, match officials,broadcasters, event staff and other support agencies.
“In the meantime, we are also in regular touch with the Metrologicaldepartment and seeking their forecast for smog during November. We willcontinue to liaise with the Met Office and monitor the situation, and, ifrequired, will make necessary changes.
“The availability of Rawalpindi has ensured there is no uncertainty for ourICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches as we aim to collectmaximum points from this series to achieve our target of qualifyingdirectly for the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over event.”
Zimbabwe last visited Pakistan in 2015 for three ODIs and two T20Is.However, they now return after international cricket has resumed inPakistan with full force following the successful tours of Sri Lanka,Bangladesh and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in the 2019-20 season.
In addition to this, HBL Pakistan Super League, for the first time in itsyoung history, was staged in Pakistan until the last four matches werepostponed on 17 March due to Covid-19 pandemic. These matches of the fifthedition will be staged in Lahore on 14, 15 and 17 November.
Revised schedule (start time to be confirmed in due course):
20 Oct – Zimbabwe arrival in Islamabad
21-27 Oct – Isolation period & practice
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28-29 Oct – Practice at Pindi Cricket Stadium
30 Oct – 1st ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium
1 Nov – 2nd ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium
3 Nov – 3rd ODI Pindi Cricket Stadium
4 Nov – Travel to Lahore
5-6 Nov – Practice at Gaddafi Stadium
7 Nov – 1st T20I Gaddafi Stadium
8 Nov – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium
10 Nov – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium
12 Nov – Zimbabwe departure for Harare
