Pakistan cricket is on the brink of a historic revival as international cricket is set to return to Faisalabad after 17 long years. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host two T20Is of the upcoming five-match series against Bangladesh at the iconic Iqbal Stadium. Though an official confirmation is yet to come, excitement among fans is already building.
The last time Faisalabad hosted an international game was on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in an ODI. Since then, the venue has remained absent from the international calendar. Now, with the return of top-level cricket, Iqbal Stadium is poised to witness thrilling action once again.
As per reports, the opening two T20Is of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series will be held in Faisalabad, with the remaining three matches set for Lahore. The five-match T20I series is scheduled to start on May 25 and wrap up on June 3. Bangladesh is likely to arrive in Pakistan during the third week of May.
The decision to hold a T20I-only series, instead of including ODIs as initially planned, comes with strategic intent. With the Asia Cup later this year in the T20 format and the T20 World Cup lined up in 2026, both teams are looking to fine-tune their squads and strategies.
For Faisalabad, this is more than just cricket. It marks a symbolic return to the international fold, promising joy for local fans and a renewed hope for Pakistan cricket’s future.
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