International cricket is returning to Faisalabad after a long gap of 17 years. The PCB has announced a 5-match T20I series with the Bangladesh team. It starts from May 25, 2025. The first two games will be played at Iqbal Stadium. It is a grand revival. The cricketing spirit of Faisalabad is alive once again. Fans are delighted as Faisalabad to Host International Cricket.
The Historic Return of Iqbal Stadium
The last-ever international match was played at Iqbal stadium in April 2008, an ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Now the two teams return to their old ground for what promises to be a nostalgic yet hopeful occasion for fans. The series is a reminder that Faisalabad is back on the world cricket landscape. Built in 1978, Iqbal Stadium has staged 24 Tests and 16 ODIs, where greats such as Waqar Younis in fiery spells and Inzamam-ul-Haq in graceful centuries have risen like a sun. It is a proud history internally, and outside, the fans are ready to rewrite all that golden memory of cricket into their lives.
Updated Schedule – A Five-Match T20I Series
The original plan included three ODIs and three T20Is. This was part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP). But with the 2026 T20 World Cup nearing, plans changed. Both PCB and BCB agreed to drop the ODIs. They added two more T20Is instead to focus on T20 preparations. It would be a great opportunity for PSL young performers to show their talent on the big stage.
The revised schedule is:
May 21 – Bangladesh team arrives.
May 22–24 – Training at Iqbal Stadium.
May 25 – 1st T20I in Faisalabad.
May 27 – 2nd T20I in Faisalabad.
May 30 – 3rd T20I in Lahore.
June 1 – 4th T20I in Lahore.
June 3 – 5th T20I in Lahore.
Faisalabad: Cricket Beyond the Big Cities
In the haze caused by Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, Faisalabad probably had its moments, but in recent years, the limelight has mostly been graphed by these cities for hosting most international matches. Faisalabad, being a cricket-loving city, possesses legends like Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Hafeez.
Now is the time for the city to shine again. According to a senior PCB official, “Iqbal Stadium is not just a venue. It is a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing soul.” Faisalabad is ready for the moment.
Stadium Preparations and Domestic Credentials
Iqbal Stadium has proved to be busy. It hosted the Champions One-Day Cup in September 2024 and also hosted the National T20 Cup in early 2025. Both tournaments were successful in establishing that the venue is ready to host international cricket matches.
Officials confirmed that renovations were still going on. Renovations now include the installation of LED floodlights and new dressing rooms with upgraded media boxes. They also worked on the seating capacity. These measures will also ensure that Iqbal Stadium is up to modern international standards for proper matches.
Economic Impact and Community Excitement
With the return of international cricket, economic activity in Faisalabad will get a boost. Hotels and restaurants, transport services, and street vendors get ready for the influx of fans, players, and media. Local cricket academies and school programs will get a share too. The event shall motivate young cricketers. It gives them such a rare opportunity to see international stars live in their city. Excitement is on.
Strategic Importance for Both Teams
This series is really important for both Pakistan and Bangladesh as they are just a year away from the T20 World Cup. Pakistan aims to test new talent and find the right combinations in their squad while trying to gain some lost momentum after a successful but varied 2024 season. It also provides a huge challenge to the Bangladesh team. This tour is a big opportunity for them to test their batting and bowling under pressure.
Additionally, it provides them with exposure and practice just ahead of the major events at the global level. A PCB selector stated, “Every T20 match now plays a role in our World Cup prep. Faisalabad is a fresh start to test new strategies.”
Conclusion: Faisalabad to Host International Cricket
The return of international cricket to Faisalabad is as much about a venue as it is about a revival, pride, and cricket’s unifying force. The T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is going to be a major event for both teams and reawaken the spirit of cricket in a city that has long awaited its time beneath the floodlights. With the return of international cricket at Iqbal Stadium, the excitement is hot. Faisalabad is no more a cricketing memory; it has returned with a bang. The city is all set to rock and roll, showcasing its passion, energy, and magic on the world stage.
