RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a revised timetable for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. All seven matches, culminating in the final, will now be hosted exclusively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Initially scheduled to include five matches in Lahore, the series is a crucial part of preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will kick off with the opening fixture between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on November 18.“Each team will participate in four matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final on November 29,” the PCB stated in an official press release.
This schedule adjustment follows shortly after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a revised plan for the remaining One Day International (ODI) matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ODIs will now be played on November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi.
Naqvi expressed appreciation on X (formerly Twitter) to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the tour, saying, “The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
The schedule change was prompted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirming the continuation of the Pakistan tour amidst security concerns following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that resulted in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries outside a court. SLC clarified that if any player wishes to return to Sri Lanka despite assurances, they will be replaced after a formal assessment, to ensure the series proceeds smoothly. The team management had earlier informed the SLC that some squad members had requested to leave Pakistan; however, the board assured them that safety measures were being actively addressed in cooperation with the PCB and authorities.
Government officials also extended their appreciation; Information Minister Attaullah Tarar expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team, saying, “We are honored by your presence,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif praised the team’s efforts and the quality of cricket displayed.
Tri-Series Match Schedule:
- November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- November 29: Final
