England to host Pakistan v Australia matches in 2010

THEECB today announced that it had reached agreement with PCB to stage two Test Matches and two T20 Internationals between Pakistan and Australia in England next July.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said: "The Pakistan team performed outstandingly well in the World T20 tournament in England and were worthy world champions. The passion of the support for their team in England demonstrated why this country is an ideal venue for these matches against Australia .

"The warm relations between our two Boards has developed further under the leadership of the current PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, with whom I enjoy an excellent working relationship, and ECB is delighted to support Pakistan in staging these matches."

ECB and PCB also confirmed that England will host Pakistan for four Test Matches, five One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals in August and September of next year.

The ECB also announced Giles Clarke, its Chairman, has accepted the role of Chairman of the ICC Pakistan Task Team. This body, set up by the ICC, has been charged with providing strategies and solutions to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board in protecting its position in international cricket.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said: "The Pakistan Cricket Board is faced with a very challenging situation at present and ECB in its role as a member of the global cricket community is keen to offer PCB all possible assistance at such a difficult time. I am delighted to take on this role and will be liaising closely with my colleagues at PCB in the coming weeks and months.’

Picture of Pakistan T20 hero, and former Kent overseas player, Shahid Afridi courtesy of Getty Images.