The tournament, set for Nov. 17-29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, will serve as a key warm-up for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The decision follows Afghanistan’s exit due to escalating tensions after Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika Province killed 10 civilians, including three young cricketers, on Oct. 17. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) cited the tragedy as the reason for pulling out, with players like Rashid Khan condemning the strikes as a “blow to our sports community.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Zimbabwe to this historic tri-series,” PCB spokesperson Faisal Mirza said. “It ensures our fans get top-tier cricket while preparing our team for the World Cup.”
The series opens Nov. 17 with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka meets Zimbabwe there on Nov. 19. The action then shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for five matches, including the final on Nov. 29. Each team will play the others twice, with the top two advancing to the final.
Schedule (all times 7:30 PM PKT):
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Nov. 17: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi
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Nov. 19: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi
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Nov. 22: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, Lahore
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Nov. 23: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe, Lahore
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Nov. 25: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe, Lahore
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Nov. 27: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, Lahore
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Nov. 29: Final, Lahore
Pakistan, coming off a T20I series loss to South Africa, aims to leverage home advantage. Captain Babar Azam and pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to lead the charge. Sri Lanka, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, will rely on Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza brings momentum from a recent tri-series win over New Zealand.
The PCB tried to recruit teams like Australia and England but faced scheduling conflicts. Zimbabwe’s inclusion, confirmed Oct. 18, keeps the event on track, with tickets soon available via the PCB’s portal. The series is expected to draw large crowds, boosted by Lahore’s spin-friendly pitches and Rawalpindi’s batting-friendly conditions.
The ACB’s withdrawal has sparked debate, with some Afghan players urging a boycott of future Pakistan series. Meanwhile, the PCB emphasized cricket’s role in uniting fans, promising “world-class competition” despite the geopolitical backdrop.
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Waseem Qadri senior Journalist, TV show host and Editor THINK TANK JOURNAL based in Islamabad can be followed on X at @jaranwaliya