Sports

Pakistan to host its first-ever T20I tri-series on home soil

“We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series," says PCB COO

By Web Desk

September 07, 2025

Shaheen Shah Afridi dealt an early blow, Afghanistan vs Pakistan, UAE T20I tri-series, Sharjah, August 29, 2025. — AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it will host its first-ever T20 International tri-series later this year, with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka taking part.

The tournament is scheduled to start on November 17, when Pakistan face Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, according to a PCB press release.

The board said the event is designed to give all three sides valuable preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be held next year in India and Sri Lanka.

This will be Afghanistan's first-ever T20I in Pakistan, having earlier played five ODIs in the country, the last of which was against Australia during the ICC Champions Trophy in February this year.

As per the schedule, Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan on November 19 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining five T20Is of the tri-series, including the final on November 29, will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Earlier, in October/November, Pakistan will host South Africa for a two-match Test series – part of ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, as well as three T20Is and three ODIs from 12 October to 8 November.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed said: “We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series. This event will not only offer excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but also present fans with exciting cricket across venues.

“Earlier this year, PCB successfully delivered the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. These achievements underline our capacity and readiness to host back-to-back international events at the highest level.”