Pakistan to host maiden T20I tri-series in November featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it will stage its first-ever T20I tri-series later this year, with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka set to feature in the three-nation tournament from 17 to 29 November.

The series has been designed to provide all three sides with valuable preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will get underway on 17 November when hosts Pakistan face Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match will mark a historic occasion as it will be Afghanistan’s first-ever T20I on Pakistani soil, though they have previously played five ODIs in the country, the most recent being against Australia during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

After the opening two games in Rawalpindi, including Sri Lanka’s clash with Afghanistan on 19 November, the action will shift to Lahore. The Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining five fixtures of the tournament, including the final scheduled for 29 November.

Speaking on the announcement, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said:

“We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series. This event will not only serve as excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but also present fans with exciting cricket across our 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.”

The tri-series will follow South Africa’s tour of Pakistan in October-November, during which the two sides will play two ICC World Test Championship matches, along with three T20Is and three ODIs from 12 October to 8 November.

Tri-series schedule:

• 17 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

• 19 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

• 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 23 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 25 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 29 November – Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore