Zimbabwe to Replace Afghanistan in Pakistan’s Upcoming T20I Tri-Series
LAHORE: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has officially accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) invitation to join next month’s T20I tri-nation series, stepping in for Afghanistan, the PCB announced on Saturday.
This will be the first-ever T20I tri-series hosted in Pakistan, providing Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe valuable match practice ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is tentatively set to take place between February and March next year.
The tournament kicks off on November 17, with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The same venue will stage the Sri Lanka–Zimbabwe contest on November 19.
After these opening matches, the series will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the remaining five fixtures, including the final on November 29.
The announcement follows Afghanistan’s withdrawal earlier in the week, with the PCB confirming that the tri-series would go ahead as originally planned.
T20I Tri-Series Schedule (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe):
Nov 17: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
Nov 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
Nov 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore
Nov 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Lahore
Nov 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Lahore
Nov 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore
Nov 29: Final – Lahore
Meanwhile, Pakistan are currently competing in an all-format home series against South Africa, featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, which concludes on November 8.
The upcoming T20Is against the Proteas will mark Pakistan’s first outing in the format since the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, where they suffered a five-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India.
