Pakistan to host Sri Lanka in first home Test series for 10 years

The two-match tour is the first time the five-day format has been staged in Pakistan since the Lahore shootings in March 2009

Test cricket will return to Pakistan for the first time for 10 years after confirmation Sri Lanka will play a two-match series upon their scheduled visit in December.

Red-ball matches have not been played there since the Lahore terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in March 2009, which left eight people dead and nine others injured, an incident which occurred mid-way through the second Test.

Pakistan have since relocated their Tests to the United Arab Emirates, though sporadic white-ball series have been played at home - including last month's three T20 internationals between the countries.

That series acted as an opportunity to assess the security provisions that would be put in place for the Tests, which were originally scheduled for October before they were swapped with the T20s.

Azhar Ali's side will host Sri Lanka in the first Test in Rawalpindi from December 11-15.

The second Test will then be played between December 19-23 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

"This is a fabulous news for Pakistan cricket and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world," said Zakir Khan, the PCB director of international cricket. 

^{Eight people were killed and nine others were injured when gunmen began shooting at the Sri Lanka team bus}

"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 regular resumption of international cricket, and help in its endeavours of attracting new audiences and younger generation.

"Now that the itinerary has been confirmed, we will shift our focus on series preparations to ensure we deliver arrangements as per our very high standards. This series is part of our cricket celebrations and we will leave no stone unturned in putting up a show which is a memorable one for the players, officials, fans and media."

Sri Lanka Cricketer chief executive Ashley de Silva added: "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 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.

"We drew our opening World Test Championship series against New Zealand, and I anticipate, like in the past, these two Tests will be exciting and competitive, and the fans will thoroughly enjoy the quality of cricket that will be on display."

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