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Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka T20i Tri-series (2025): Discussion Thread

BouncerGuy

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Afghanistan to Face Pakistan, Sri Lanka in a Tri-Nation T20I Series this November

The Afghanistan Cricket Board is pleased to confirm AfghanAtalan’s participation in a Tri-Nation T20I Series, featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Series will be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board and will take place from November 17 to 29 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore.

The three teams will play each other twice in the six-match group stage. Seven matches to be played in the series, with top two teams at the end of the group stage to compete in the final on November 29 in Lahore.

AfghanAtalan will meet the hosts, Pakistan in the opening match of the series on November 17 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on November 19 at the same venue. The action will then move to Lahore, where Afghanistan will play their 3rd game in the event against Pakistan on November 23, before taking on Sri Lanka in their final group-stage game on November 25 in Lahore.

The final match of the tri-nation series will be played between the top two teams on November 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Mr. Naseeb Khan, stated:

“This is an encouraging development, as the Afghanistan National Team continues to compete against the top teams regularly. These matches are being held to serve as ideal preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup for all three participating teams. I am hopeful that Afghanistan will perform well in these games and I trust our fans will find this series as a great source of joy.”

He further added that all of this has been made possible through strong relations and collaboration. Currently, in preparation for the Asia Cup, a tri-nation series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE is underway in the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a white-ball series, consisting of three T20Is and three ODIs in October this year.

Complete Itinerary for the Tri-Nation Series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka:

Day, DateMatchVenue
Monday, 17 NovemberPakistan vs AfghanistanRawalpindi
Wednesday, 19 NovemberAfghanistan vs Sri LankaRawalpindi
Saturday, 22 NovemberPakistan vs Sri LankaLahore
Sunday, 23 NovemberPakistan vs AfghanistanLahore
Tuesday, 25 NovemberAfghanistan vs Sri LankaLahore
Thursday, 27 NovemberPakistan vs Sri LankaLahore
Saturday, 29 NovemberFinalLahore

https://acb.af/en-US/post/afghanist...nka-in-a-tri-nation-t20i-series-this-november
 
People will complain about lack of test cricket but that's just the way it is. If we are playing t20 cricket I like the tri series format. It makes the matches more exciting.
 
Pakistan's preparations for the World T20 2026 are in full swing. T20 Series after series . :kp
 
Much of a muchness. Soon, people will lose their appetite for this meaningless knockabout cricket.

This administration is ruining our cricket.

Cricket teams are primarily judged on their TEST performance

Test cricket should be any cricket board's main priority

And then we complain why we struggle in the longer formats. Actually, we are pretty bad in every format at the moment.
 
Much of a muchness. Soon, people will lose their appetite for this meaningless knockabout cricket.

This administration is ruining our cricket.

Cricket teams are primarily judged on their TEST performance

Test cricket should be any cricket board's main priority

And then we complain why we struggle in the longer formats. Actually, we are pretty bad in every format at the moment.
The administration is ruining cricket by giving you international fixtures?

Well that’s a first way to ruin cricket I guess
 
Why can't pcb get sena team atleast. What will Lanka offer? Why they need a series against afg again in couple of months?
 
Why can't pcb get sena team atleast. What will Lanka offer? Why they need a series against afg again in couple of months?
South Africa will be in Pakistan in the beginning of November and depart before this series.

I believe England will be touring NZ at this time and the Ashes will be starting soon after.

We've recently had New Zealand and South Africa for a tri-series in Pakistan.

I think the PCB deserve some credit for this, they keep international cricket ticking along in Pakistan, and let's be honest, fans globally were crying out for the return of tri-series competitions. Now when it happens there are complaints about the teams involved, admins get too much criticisnm.
 
Much of a muchness. Soon, people will lose their appetite for this meaningless knockabout cricket.

This administration is ruining our cricket.

Cricket teams are primarily judged on their TEST performance

Test cricket should be any cricket board's main priority

And then we complain why we struggle in the longer formats. Actually, we are pretty bad in every format at the moment.
This comes directly after the culmination of the South Africa series. You may want test cricket but its likely it will be played in front of zero crowds. What is PCB meant to do? Schedule series so us forum walas are happy or play series that will benefit the team and keep fans entertained.
 
Why can't pcb get sena team atleast. What will Lanka offer? Why they need a series against afg again in couple of months?
Cause these are their contemporaries.

Why would Pak public like to see themselves get beaten by SENA time and again.

At least this way there is a possibility of a win.
 
Why?

Pakistan are playing a T20 tri-series against Afghanistan right now. On top of that, all three teams are part of the Asia Cup.

What a completely useless waste of time.
 
Pakistan cricket team is like the person who is told by their dietician to eat healthy food with high nutritional value, but instead the person keeps shoving chips, donuts, fried chicken, and all sorts of junk food into their mouth, and then questions why their health doesn’t get better.
 
I think the PCB deserve some credit for this, they keep international cricket ticking along in Pakistan, and let's be honest, fans globally were crying out for the return of tri-series competitions. Now when it happens there are complaints about the teams involved, admins get too much criticisnm.
Am looking for pak chances to improve .pak will compete against afg in current tri series, possibly Asia cup and nov series.sl will not bring anything for pak to improve.any sena b team will be far more competent than Lanka.its nothing against a tri series but teams in it will make it memorable just like 98 pak independence cup, 98/02 cb series etc.
 
Would have been even better if we had included Bangladesh as well into mix and make it like a mini-trophy series.
 
They could make converted saf t20 to a tri series so at least not another mini asia cup.
 
Things are getting heated between Pakistan and Afghanistan now.

will this series go ahead now??? Will Afghans be willing to travel to Pakistan???

I think Afghanistan might pull out of this series.
 
Things are getting heated between Pakistan and Afghanistan now.

will this series go ahead now??? Will Afghans be willing to travel to Pakistan???

I think Afghanistan might pull out of this series.
About to say. Its different and difficult for both pak, afg now.
 

Afghanistan Cricket Board denies pulling out of Pakistan tri-series​


The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Sturday rejected reports circulating on social media claiming that the national team will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

According to sources from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, no such decision has been made regarding the team’s withdrawal from the Pakistan tour. Officials termed the online rumours as “completely baseless and misleading.”

The board confirmed that the Afghanistan team remains committed to participating in the tri-series as per the original schedule.

Afghanistan currently busy in Abu Dhabi series
Sources further revealed that the Afghanistan cricket team is currently engaged in a series against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, which will conclude before the tri-nation event.

After completing their ongoing commitments, the team is expected to travel to Pakistan to take part in the series alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Officials expressed concern over unverified reports spreading on social media, urging fans and journalists to rely on official updates from the ACB for accurate information.

 
Things are getting heated between Pakistan and Afghanistan now.

will this series go ahead now??? Will Afghans be willing to travel to Pakistan???

I think Afghanistan might pull out of this series.
I’m sure they will get plenty of support from those who love Babar and Rizwan.
 
so had BD reached the final they would’ve been 2nd best T20 side in Asia?

Pakistan beat Afghanistan in the tri-series.
Pakistan beat SL and BD in the Asia Cup.

So, Pakistan are #2.

Even if you take away objective results, I still think Pakistan are #2 in Asia right now. In terms of T20 strength, they are #2.
 
As per an indian source, the upcoming Tri-series plan is in limbo now

* Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Interior Minister, has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare an "alternate plan" for the upcoming Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka (PAK-AFG-SL) Tri-Series.

* The request was made because the Tri-Series, scheduled from November 17 to 29, 2025, is currently in limbo due to a military conflict and escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

* The PCB chairman wants the ICC to start working on an alternative in case Afghanistan is forced to pull out of the tournament.
* The article also mentions that Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15, right before the Tri-Series.

* Additionally, the report discusses a potential three-match T20I series between PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in Colombo between January 1 and 10, which could put PCB at odds with Cricket Australia due to several Pakistani players being signed for the Big Bash League (BBL).
 
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan

Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.

Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.

Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)


17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
 
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan

Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.

Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.

Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Nice.

I think Pakistan should've invited Nepal because they are a very hungry and spirited associate side.
 
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan

Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.

Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.

Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Good for Zimbabwe. They have improved in T20 alot and will welcome these matches against two teams they have beaten in the past year.

I had zero interest in this series before, and right now I'd say I have zero interest.
 
Good to see PCB act as quick as they did. Zimbabwe have a had a few wins against Pakistan in recent years & specifically in Pakistan.

However I wouldn't have been against maybe better sides brought in as replacements, maybe availability would have been an issue.
 
Good to see PCB act as quick as they did. Zimbabwe have a had a few wins against Pakistan in recent years & specifically in Pakistan.

However I wouldn't have been against maybe better sides brought in as replacements, maybe availability would have been an issue.
That too on a quick note.
 
What if Nepal would have given tough time to Pak just like they did to WI recently

Nepal gave tough times to both South Africa and Bangladesh in 2024 World T20. Both South Africa and Bangladesh barely escaped (SA won by just 1 run).

I think Nepal are a better team than Zimbabwe.
 
WHAT 😮 Afghanistan replaced by Zimbabwe? That fixture changed quicker than a politician’s promises during election season.


I must appreciate, That switch was faster than Indian media changing narratives after a loss.


Fixture changed quicker than a teenager changing Wi-Fi passwords after a breakup.

Afghanistan out, Zimbabwe in, that change was quicker than Jay Shah drafting a new ‘statement’

Welldone Naqwi.
 
Good for once PCB acted promptly, hopefully the video and graphics for the series will be viewable. Any foreign commies also like Pommie or Arnold ?

BTW it's the second home triseries for Pakistan this year , after they played SA and NZ before CT.
Unfortunate that PCB don't prioritise Test cricket
 
Match officials announced for T20I Tri-series

Former West Indies fast bowler Reon King, who is also part of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, will serve as match referee for the T20I tri-series, which will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November. Alongside hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will feature in the seven-match event.

In the opening T20I between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Asif Yaqoob (ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires) and Rashid Riaz (ICC International Panel of Umpires) will stand as on-field umpires, while Faisal Afridi (ICC International Panel of Umpires) will act as third umpire. Tariq Rasheed, part of PCB’s National Elite Panel of Umpires, will serve as fourth umpire for the match.

For the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the same venue on 19 November, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz will officiate on-field, with Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed taking up third and fourth umpire duties, respectively.

For the 22 November contest between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi will stand as on-field umpires, while Rashid Riaz and Tariq Rasheed will serve as third and fourth umpire, respectively. On 23 November, in the match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi will officiate on-field, with Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed as third and fourth umpire, respectively.

On 25 November, in the fixture between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will be the on-field umpires, while Ahsan Raza (ICC Elite Panel of Umpires) will perform third umpire duties. Faisal Afridi will serve as fourth umpire.

For the 27 November fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Ahsan Raza and Faisal Afridi will stand as on-field umpires, with Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob performing third and fourth umpire duties, respectively.

In the final match, scheduled for 29 November, Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob will officiate on-field, while Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi will serve as third and fourth umpire, respectively.

PCB
 
Any international cricket is good for the game.
We need such tri-series in India, much better than boring bilaterals.

Pak board has now scheduled 2 tri-series in 2025, they played a short tri-series just before Champions Trophy with South Africa & New Zealand and now this one.

Hope BCCI arranges one in the near future.
 
Cant forget the tri nation series organized by Australia back in late 1990s and early 2000s.
Especially when VB was their main sponsor.
It was such a great experience to wake up early morning and watch australia thrash every other cricket team.

Ricky ponting, adam gilchrist and mcgrath were legends back then. Especially gilly, he is a generational player really
 
Wouldn’t be surprised if Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in a game.

Pakistan losing the toss, batting first and putting up a mediocre total…

Sikander Raza playing a typical PSL blinder and getting them over the line.

This can happen.
 
I actually miss tri-series and quadrangular/pentangular cups a lot.

Benson & Hedges and later VB series in Australia were always so much fun to watch when Pak would be a part of them.

The Sharjah cups were also always entertaining where they would get multiple good countries to participate in them. At one time even countries like Kenya & Holland were able to stage such series & it was always fun.

T20 shouldn't be played in a bilateral format in my opinion. It's not important or memorable enough so maybe having tournaments will add some necessary context & a cup at the end of tournament will mean something. (Maybe it's just me but don't even remember the matches that Pak & RSA played in the recently concluded T20 series).
 
Pakistan is taking undue advantage of playing in tri series, 1st they played against SA, now they are playing against SRL and their players will be all set... whereas Zimbabwe directly playing in tri series.
 
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan

Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.

Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.

Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

PCB have announced that this series will now completely be played in Rawalpindi, commencing 18 November.
 
Tri-nation series to begin from 18 November

The PCB confirms the revised schedule of tri-nation series involving hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, with the opening match taking place on 18 November. All seven T20I matches including the final will now take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The first ball of all matches will be bowled at 6pm local time.

The opening game of the tri-series will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 18 November. Each team will feature in four matches, with the top two sides qualifying for the final scheduled on Saturday, 29 November.

Series schedule (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):

18 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
20 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
29 November –Final

PCB
 
Cant forget the tri nation series organized by Australia back in late 1990s and early 2000s.
Especially when VB was their main sponsor.
It was such a great experience to wake up early morning and watch australia thrash every other cricket team.

Ricky ponting, adam gilchrist and mcgrath were legends back then. Especially gilly, he is a generational player really
South Africa won in 2001-02, Australia didn't even qualify for the finals, New Zealand did.

England won in 2006-07, beat Australia 2-0 in the finals.

India won in 2007-08, beat Australia 2-0 in the finals.

The tri-series stopped after 2007-08 season, probably after Australia lost four consecutive finals in two years.

In 2015 just before ODI World Cup, Australia, India, England played a short tri-series in Australia. Australia won beating England in the final.

Cricket Australia & all other boards should bring back tri-series, ODI cricket will get relevant again & will have context.
 
South Africa won in 2001-02, Australia didn't even qualify for the finals, New Zealand did.

England won in 2006-07, beat Australia 2-0 in the finals.

India won in 2007-08, beat Australia 2-0 in the finals.

The tri-series stopped after 2007-08 season, probably after Australia lost four consecutive finals in two years.

In 2015 just before ODI World Cup, Australia, India, England played a short tri-series in Australia. Australia won beating England in the final.

Cricket Australia & all other boards should bring back tri-series, ODI cricket will get relevant again & will have context.
Exactly. It is always great to see cricket in Australia because of the conditions, grounds, crowd and coverage
When i started watching cricket on TV, that was the time australia used to thrash each and every team and that thing really stamped on my mind.

It was a golden period of cricket when we used to have so much great players and you use to follow each and every match even before social media emergency. Now a days you dont really know someone scoring triple (mulder) or somebody taking 10fers. Its too much cricket all around with no real impact and interest.
 
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