Fans, PCB welcome Aussies back to Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket boss Faisal Hasnain wants Australia's long-awaited return to the country to be a statement to the sport worldwide as local fans celebrate their first sight of Pat Cummins' team.

The historic first Test in Rawalpindi began under clear skies on Friday, after a day of rain in the city on Thursday and two decades of uncertainty clouding the sport in the country.

Small crowds were in place for the first ball, which coincided with morning prayer time, however the entire Test at Pindi Cricket Stadium is sold out.

Of those in early, several fans held up signs welcoming Australia's return after almost 24 years, with Mark Taylor's team in 1998 the last to tour the country.

"In a world full of faithlessness and mistrust, be like Australian team. We warmly welcome Aussies to the land of peace," one banner read.

Another welcomed Steve Smith, while the small group of touring fans also celebrated their return.

Friday's Test marks just the sixth in the country since the 2009 attack on a Sri Lanka team bus, with South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka each featuring since December 2019.

Australia's return is significant, given New Zealand pulled out of a tour late last year just before the first match was to begin due to security concerns last year.

England then subsequently postponed their trip to the country, with that tour pushed back to later this year.

"This tour also sends out a strong and positive message to the entire world," Hasnain told reporters.

"I am confident that when the Australian team returns home they will leave with fond memories and will all hopefully become ambassadors of Pakistan.

"(This series) is about mutual respect, understanding and admiration. It's about all sides working together as a team