England return to Pakistan for first time in 17 years and pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

England’s cricket team are playing in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Despite being one of the great cricketing nations, Pakistan has not hosted England since 2005.

When England travelled to Pakistan that year – a few months after the famous Ashes series win against Australia – no one would have predicted how long it would be for the next tour to take place.

But no international cricket was played in Pakistan for six years after the Sri Lankan team were attacked by gunmen on their way to a match in 2009.

Six members of the Sri Lanka side were wounded and six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.

Instead of hosting tours, Pakistan has played the majority of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates, with Zimbabwe the first team to return following the 2009 attack.

The 2015 Zimbabwe series was followed by Pakistan’s first home men’s Test in 12 years, against Sri Lanka in 2019.

Australia have since travelled to Pakistan – playing three Tests, three ODIs and one T20 earlier this year – but England withdrew their men’s and women’s teams from series in the country last year due to ‘increasing concerns about travelling to the region’.

With no such issues this time around, England will begin a seven-match T20 series in Karachi on Tuesday. Fittingly, Moeen Ali will captain the side in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler.

Moeen, whose family originate from Pakistan, told BBC Sport: ‘It was meant to be. It feels amazing that after such a long time the timing is right for me to lead England there.

‘I’ve played in Pakistan before but representing England for the first time there, that’s special and amazing. I’m really excited and hopefully we can play some good