'Can't wait to see Australia play in Pakistan': Matthew Hayden

Former Australia batter and current batting consultant of Pakistan Matthew Hayden is pleased that Australia are going to visit Pakistan for a full tour next year. The PCB recently released the schedule for the Australia tour of Pakistan. The teams will lock horns in three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I in March 2021.

Hayden said it’s a shame that Pakistan have been deprived of international cricket, adding that so many talented cricketers have not got exposure to top-level cricket. Notably, teams have refrained from touring Pakistan after the attack on the Sri Lanka team in 2009.

"Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and there is a string of fast bowlers still waiting back in Pakistan. They have had little exposure to international cricket. That is why it is so beautiful that Australia are going to tour Pakistan," India Today quoted Hayden.

"I never toured Pakistan, I think (Langer) toured a couple of times, what a great shame that this cricket-loving nation is not seeing international players coming to its shores. Gosh I'm excited for that series," Hayden added.

Meanwhile, not just Australia, England have also confirmed their Pakistan tour. The Three Lions will play seven T20I before the 20-20 World Cup in 2022. Post participating in the showpiece event, they will return to play three Tests as well. West Indies will also visit Pakistan for the limited-overs series in December this year. This is a massive turnaround for Pakistan cricket which was in jeopardy after New Zealand and England cancelled their tours ahead of the 20-20 World Cup owing to security concerns.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will take on Australia in the semifinal of the 20-20 World Cup. The team has been on a rampage in the tournament and are yet to lose a game.