SYDNEY, AFP: Cricket Australia has confirmed its first tour of Pakistan since 1998, locking in a three-Test series despite lingering security concerns.

Australia will play Tests – in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore – fresh off the back of a comprehensive home Ashes victory against England. They will also play three one day internationals and a T20 capping the month-long tour on April 5.

“The tour will proceed for the first time in 24 years. This is a historic occasion and important for the global growth and health of the game,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

The tour will be a huge boost for Pakistan, which was hit hard when New Zealand and England abandoned recent tours over security concerns Cricket-mad Pakistan has struggled to entice foreign sides back after home internationals were suspended after a deadly terror attack on the Sri Lanka Test side in 2009. Pakistan were forced to play their home international matches abroad – mostly in the United Arab Emirates – until 2015, when normal service tentatively resumed. “We are looking forward to an exciting series between two world-class teams,” said Hockley.

The fixtures are: 4-8 March: 1st Test – Rawalpindi, 12-16 March: 2nd Test – Karachi, 21-25 March: 3rd Test – Lahore, 29 March: 1st ODI – Rawalpindi, 31 March: 2nd ODI – Rawalpindi, 2 April: 3rd ODI – Rawalpindi.

Hasnain banned from bowling for illegal action