Pakistan to host maiden T20I tri-series in November

Pakistan will host its maiden T20 International tri-series later this year, featuring Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Sunday.

The tournament is scheduled from 17 to 29 November, with fixtures split between Rawalpindi and Lahore. It is being seen as a key preparatory event for the participating teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.

The series will open with Pakistan facing Afghanistan on 17 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

This match will mark Afghanistan’s first T20I on Pakistani soil, although they have previously played five One-Day Internationals in the country, including earlier this year during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Rawalpindi on 19 November, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remainder of the matches, including the final on 29 November.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed described the series as an important milestone. “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,” he said.

The tri-series follows Pakistan’s announcement of a multi-format home series against South Africa in October and November.

Tri-Series Schedule

17 Nov: Pakistan v Afghanistan – Rawalpindi

19 Nov: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan – Rawalpindi

22 Nov: Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Lahore

23 Nov: Pakistan v Afghanistan – Lahore

25 Nov: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan – Lahore

27 Nov: Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Lahore

29 Nov: Final – Lahore