The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that Zimbabwe Cricket will participate in a T20I tri-series, replacing Afghanistan. This series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and now Zimbabwe, is set to run from November 17 to 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. The last-minute change comes after Afghanistan regretfully withdrew from the tournament, a decision made in the wake of the tragic deaths of three of their cricketers in a recent airstrike in Paktika province.
This tri-series on Pakistani soil is designed to offer all three competing nations invaluable preparation leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Initially, a senior PCB official had confirmed the series would proceed despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal, stating, “The Tri-Series will progress as scheduled even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are looking at a replacement team and once finalised, the announcement will be made. The Tri-Series features a third team in Sri Lanka so it is on from 17th November.”
The tournament will commence on November 17 with host nation Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka will then face Zimbabwe on November 19, also in Rawalpindi. The subsequent five matches, including the final on November 29, will shift to Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium.
Prior to the tri-series, Pakistan is also scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a separate three-match bilateral T20 series from November 11 to 15.
Afghanistan’s withdrawal marks another challenging chapter in Pakistan-Afghanistan cricket relations, which have seen periods of tension. Notably, during a recent tri-series in Sharjah ahead of the Asia Cup, Pakistani and Afghan spectators were strategically seated in separate enclosures to prevent potential conflicts. Despite these strains, Pakistan had previously extended support to Afghanistan’s cricketing development by enabling their players to participate in domestic tournaments.
New T20I Tri-Series Schedule:
- 17 Nov: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
- 19 Nov: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
- 22 Nov: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka – Lahore
- 23 Nov: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe – Lahore
- 25 Nov: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe – Lahore
- 27 Nov: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka – Lahore
- 29 Nov: Final – Lahore
Zimbabwe’s timely participation ensures the tri-series moves forward as planned, providing all teams and fans with exciting T20 action and vital match practice for next year’s global tournament.
(Image: Following the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s withdrawal, the PCB confirmed Zimbabwe as the replacement side.)