Pakistan to Host T20I Tri-Nation Series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka

11 October 2025

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In a major development ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it will host a T20I tri-nation series featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Scheduled for 17–29 November 2025, the series will be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, giving all three sides a valuable tune-up before next year’s global event.

For Afghanistan, the series carries historic significance, as it will be their first-ever T20I appearance on Pakistani soil, marking a new chapter in regional cricket diplomacy. The PCB’s initiative is being praised as a positive step toward strengthening cricket ties within South Asia.

The tri-nation event will follow a round-robin format, with each team playing the others before a final in Lahore on 29 November. The full match schedule and squad announcements will be released closer to the series.

Strategic Prep for the World Cup

This tri-series comes at a crucial time, offering all three teams a chance to fine-tune their squads under real match pressure.

Pakistan will test its bench strength and lock in combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka, in the midst of a rebuilding effort, will use the event to assess young talent and refine its strategies.
Afghanistan will benefit from playing on subcontinental pitches similar to those expected in the World Cup.

Pakistan’s late-autumn conditions and dry surfaces promise excellent preparation ideal for testing bowling strategies, batting depth, and fielding formations in competitive conditions.

A Historic Moment for Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s participation isn’t just a cricketing first; it’s a milestone in sports diplomacy. Over the years, Afghan players have developed through leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and have received coaching support from Pakistani cricket circles.
Now, they’ll represent their nation officially on the same grounds, a symbolic step toward cricket as a unifying force in the region.

PCB’s Vision for Multi-Nation Hosting

The PCB has made clear its intent to re-establish Pakistan as a premier destination for international cricket. Hosting this tri-nation series forms part of its broader push to expand Pakistan’s presence on the global cricket calendar.

In a statement, the PCB reaffirmed its commitment to:

Creating international-standard match experiences
Promoting regional cricket cooperation
Enhancing fan engagement through high-quality events

With world-class venues, solid administrative backing, and top-tier security measures, Pakistan is steadily positioning itself as a reliable and capable host nation.

What’s Next?

Following this tri-series, Pakistan is expected to organize additional preparatory fixtures or bilateral tours ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For now, all eyes turn to November 2025, as cricket fans worldwide await a thrilling display of form, tactics, and sportsmanship. The tri-nation series is more than just a warm-up; it’s a reminder of how cricket continues to connect, evolve, and inspire across borders.