Heather Knight to lead England Women on historic tour of Pakistan

No England team have played international cricket in the country since 2005, as a result of terror concerns related to an attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus, but now two will make the trip together.

Eoin Morgan’s white-ball team had already committed to a two-match T20 series in Karachi on October 14 and 15, with those dates now turned into double-headers involving Heather Knight’s side.

Knight and company will then stay on to contest three one-day internationals at the same venue between October 18-22.

Clare Connor, managing director of women’s cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be making this historic announcement. This is another important step in our history and journey.”

Wasim Khan, chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said: “World champions England accompanying their men’s side for their first-ever tour to Karachi is an extremely powerful and strong announcement for Pakistan, our women’s cricketers as well as for the global sport.”

England Women are set to take on New Zealand next month, with tour dates and squad details close to being confirmed, while a return series in England, as well as a visit from South Africa, are set for the summer.