The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed that Australia men’s national cricket team will tour Pakistan later this month for a three-match One Day International series, continuing the growing cricket ties between the two countries. According to the PCB, the Australian squad will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 ahead of the opening ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30. The second and third matches will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and June 4. The board said all three ODIs will begin at 4:30pm local time, while the toss will take place at 4pm. The upcoming series marks Australia’s first ODI tour of Pakistan since March and April 2022, when the visitors played a full bilateral series across formats after a gap of nearly 24 years. Pakistan to host Australia for three-match ODI seriesDetails here ➡️ https://t.co/bPD0LgRkAF#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/aAsGK4xxCS— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) May 7, 2026 That historic 2022 tour included Tests, ODIs and T20Is and played a major role in restoring Pakistan’s image as a safe destination for international cricket following years of security concerns. Pakistan eye another strong home performance The latest ODI series comes months after Australia toured Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February this year. Pakistan swept that series 3-0 in Lahore, giving the hosts confidence ahead of another high-profile contest. Australia also featured prominently during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted in Pakistan earlier this year. The Australians defeated England cricket team by five wickets at Gaddafi Stadium on February 22 during the tournament. The match drew large crowds and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC fixtures. Cricket analysts expect the ODI series to attract strong fan interest because both teams feature several experienced white-ball players and emerging talents ahead of future ICC events. Pakistan and Australia share a long ODI rivalry dating back to 1975. Australia historically dominated the format, but Pakistan has improved its home performances in recent years, especially in Lahore and Rawalpindi conditions. Busy international calendar for Pakistan The series also forms part of Pakistan’s packed international calendar as the PCB continues efforts to bring major cricket nations back for regular bilateral tours. In recent years, Pakistan has hosted teams including England cricket team, New Zealand national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team for full series across formats. Officials view these tours as crucial for strengthening Pakistan’s cricket economy, boosting tourism and maintaining momentum after the successful ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Series schedule: May 30: 1st ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium June 2: 2nd ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore June 4: 3rd ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Usman Tariq lands Warwickshire deal after global T20 interest
Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq has joined Warwickshire Bears for the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast, the club confirmed on Tuesday ahead of the May 22 start. The 30 year old had attracted strong interest from multiple franchise leagues worldwide. However, Warwickshire managed to secure his signature, highlighting his rising value in white ball cricket. Read More: Usman Tariq Hits Back with Confidence After Ashwin’s Remarks He will spend most of the English summer at Edgbaston Stadium. Subsequently, his Blast campaign will transition into a stint with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. The franchise signed him for £140,000 during March’s draft. Tariq eyes strong start in England Reacting to the move, Tariq expressed excitement about joining the squad. “I am very excited to bring more fun and energy to the Bears. I can’t wait to get involved with the squad, and it’s a great feeling to be part of this team. I hope to see as many people as possible at Edgbaston this summer,” he said. Notably, his signing reflects a broader shift in English cricket. Teams are increasingly targeting mystery spinners who can adapt to fast paced T20 conditions. As a result, Tariq’s variations and control make him a valuable middle overs option. Worth the wait 🎰Full Story on Usman Tariq joining the Bears ✍️ https://t.co/qWY3J10nYQ🐻 #YouBears pic.twitter.com/MWJdf3wioc— Bears (@WarwickshireCCC) May 5, 2026 Moreover, the dual tournament arrangement offers continuity. Staying in Birmingham across both competitions should help him maintain rhythm during a demanding schedule. Warwickshire confident of impact Meanwhile, Performance Director James Thomas said the club had identified Tariq as a key target early in the process. “Usman is exactly the type of high-impact player we want to bring into Warwickshire, so we’re delighted to get this deal completed,” he said. Read More: ‘Crybaby’ Meme Sparks Buzz as Usman Tariq Hits Back at Cameron Green Furthermore, Thomas praised Tariq’s all round cricketing intelligence. “His skill set and tactical awareness make him a genuine threat in modern white-ball cricket, but it’s his hunger to compete and continually improve that really stands out.” In addition, he highlighted the strategic link between the Bears and Birmingham Phoenix. “What makes this signing particularly exciting is the alignment between Warwickshire and Birmingham Phoenix.” He then explained the broader benefits of the move. “It allows us to create continuity for the player, maximise performance impact across both competitions, and build stronger connections with our supporters.” Ultimately, the club sees the deal as part of a bigger plan. “Ultimately, this is about strengthening the team, the franchise, and our presence in the area, and we believe Usman can play a key role in that this summer.” The Vitality Blast remains one of the most competitive domestic T20 leagues globally. Therefore, strong performances there often open doors to major international opportunities. Tariq now enters the tournament with rising expectations and a clear platform to deliver.
