ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and England will begin a seven-match T20 series in Karachi today, Tuesday, with proceeds from the sale of tickets for the first match going to flood relief.

Since the start of the unprecedented monsoon rains in mid-June and subsequent flooding, 1,545 people have died and thousands more have been injured in Pakistan. The floods have affected 33 million people, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, according to government data. Swelling waters have swept away villages, roads and bridges, and at one point inundated a third of Pakistan's territory.

In the aftermath of the devastation, doctors and medical workers are battling the increase in waterborne diseases and other infections, and struggling to treat the sick and deliver medicines, food supplies and tents to people displaced by the floods.

"Pakistan cricket fans, there is a special request from you: as much as is possible for you, please come to see our first T20 cricket match against England, because the proceeds from tickets will go to flood relief," Pakistani cricketer Naseem Shah said in a video message released by the Pakistan Cricket Board. "The more money we can raise, the more we can help those affected by the floods."

English batsman Phil Salt added: "Just a quick message from me, please come down in your numbers and get to the game. The first one is in aid of the flood relief."

The long-awaited return of England, their first to Pakistan in 17 years, comes five months after a trouble-free tour by Australia, their first in 24 years, which helped Pakistan's rehabilitation as a safe place to play cricket.

International cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan following years where they were forced to play home matches in neutral venues after a deadly attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009.

England had been originally scheduled to arrive in October last year but cancelled at short notice after New Zealand pulled out of a tour citing safety concerns.

England's withdrawal infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board, who called it "disrespectful" as they made strides to show the country was a secure destination.

England, the current 50-over world champions, are also scheduled to play a Test series in Pakistan in December followed by the return of New Zealand.

The tourists are looking to bounce back from recent Twenty20 series defeats to the West Indies (3-2), South Africa and India (both 2-1).

Pakistan are looking to recover after losing the T20 Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka in the UAE earlier this month.