Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it will host its first T20 International tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka from November 17 to 29. This competition aims to provide crucial practice for the teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup slated for next year in India and Sri Lanka.
The series will commence with Pakistan playing against Afghanistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 17. This match marks Afghanistan’s debut T20I game in Pakistan, following five One-Day Internationals played in the country, the latest of which occurred against Australia in February during the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan on November 19, also at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The remaining five matches, including the final on November 29, will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Prior to the tri-series, Pakistan is set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, along with three T20Is and three ODIs from October 12 to November 8.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed expressed anticipation for the upcoming series, emphasizing its value for teams preparing for the World Cup and the exciting cricket it promises for fans. He noted the PCB’s successful management of international events earlier this year, including the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The tri-series schedule includes matches between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, with the final match slated for November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium. The PCB aims to demonstrate its ongoing capability to host significant international cricket events.