After a gap of nearly 17 years, the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is all set to roar once again with international cricket as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, beginning May 25, 2025. This marks a historic return of global cricket to Faisalabad — a city with deep cricketing roots and a passionate fan base.
More T20Is, No ODIs
Originally part of the Future Tour Programme (FTP), the Pakistan-Bangladesh series was meant to include three ODIs and three T20Is. However, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for next year, both boards mutually decided to replace the ODIs with two additional T20 Internationals, focusing on fine-tuning their squads ahead of the global event.
Iqbal Stadium to Host First Two Matches
The Iqbal Stadium, which last hosted an international match in April 2008 — coincidentally also between Pakistan and Bangladesh — will now stage the first two T20Is of the upcoming series on 25 and 27 May.
This iconic venue, having hosted 24 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1978 and 2008, recently proved its readiness by successfully organizing the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup in September 2024 and the National T20 Cup last month. These events helped reinforce the city’s capability to once again embrace high-profile international matches.
“The return of international cricket to Faisalabad is a testament to our commitment to reviving cricket across all traditional venues,” said a senior PCB official. “Iqbal Stadium is not just a ground; it’s part of Pakistan’s cricketing heritage.”
Match Schedule – T20Is in Faisalabad & Lahore
The full schedule of the series is as follows:
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21 May – Bangladesh team arrives in Pakistan
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25 May – 1st T20I at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM)
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27 May – 2nd T20I at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM)
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30 May – 3rd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)
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1 June – 4th T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)
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3 June – 5th T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM)
The Bangladesh squad will commence training at Iqbal Stadium from 22 to 24 May, acclimatizing to local conditions before the series begins.
Faisalabad: A City Reignited by Cricket
The return of international cricket is not only a milestone for Faisalabad but also a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing revival beyond major urban hubs like Lahore and Karachi. The city has produced legendary cricketers such as Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Hafeez, and the return of global action is expected to reignite local talent and enthusiasm.
Local businesses, hotels, and tourism are also likely to benefit from the influx of teams, media, and spectators, creating a positive economic ripple effect for the region.
A Crucial Series for Both Sides
With the T20 World Cup just around the corner in 2026, this series holds strategic importance for both Pakistan and Bangladesh. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to solidify combinations, test bench strength, and restore form after a mixed international season. For Bangladesh, it provides an opportunity to improve their poor T20 record in Pakistani conditions and build momentum.
“Every T20 match matters now,” a PCB selector noted. “This is about preparing a winning unit for the World Cup — and what better place to start than Faisalabad?”
A Festival of Cricket Returns
The stage is set, the floodlights are ready, and the fans are buzzing. Faisalabad is back on the international cricket map, and its return couldn’t have come at a better time.
As Pakistan prepares to host Bangladesh in a high-stakes T20I showdown, one thing is certain — Iqbal Stadium will witness history once again.
