Table of Contents
Rawalpindi, 13 November 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the revised schedule for the upcoming T20 tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tournament will now be held entirely at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with all matches starting at 6:00 PM local time.
The tri-series will begin on Tuesday, 18 November, with hosts Pakistan facing Zimbabwe in the opening encounter. The competition will see each side playing four matches during the round-robin stage, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on Saturday, 29 November 2025.
Revised Series Schedule (All matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):
- 18 November (Tuesday): Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- 20 November (Thursday): Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- 22 November (Saturday): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- 23 November (Sunday): Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- 25 November (Tuesday): Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- 27 November (Thursday): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- 29 November (Saturday): Final
All matches will begin at 6:00 PM (local time) under the floodlights in Rawalpindi.
Tri-Series Format and Key Details
The series will follow a double round-robin format, meaning each team will face the other two opponents twice before the top two teams move on to the final. This setup ensures an even contest and multiple opportunities for teams to adjust strategies and player combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, known for its enthusiastic crowds and lively pitch conditions, will provide an exciting backdrop for the tournament. The stadium’s floodlights and modern facilities make it one of Pakistan’s premier venues for limited-overs cricket.
Pakistan Ready to Test Bench Strength
For Pakistan, the tri-series offers a vital opportunity to fine-tune their T20 lineup and give match time to fringe players. With the ICC T20 World Cup less than a year away, selectors are expected to use the series to experiment with bowling combinations and middle-order options.
Skipper Babar Azam and coach Gary Kirsten are likely to focus on achieving balance between experience and emerging talent. Players like Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Haris may get extended runs alongside senior figures such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan.
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe Eye Momentum
The Sri Lankan team, under new leadership following recent changes in their T20 setup, will aim to regain consistency in the shortest format. Known for their disciplined bowling and agile fielding, Sri Lanka’s participation adds high-quality competition to the series.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will look to make the most of their time in Pakistan. Led by experienced players like Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine, the Zimbabwean side has shown flashes of brilliance in recent months and will hope to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.
PCB’s Commitment to Hosting International Cricket
The PCB’s decision to host all matches in Rawalpindi underscores its commitment to providing secure and high-standard cricketing facilities. After successfully hosting international series and Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in recent years, Rawalpindi continues to establish itself as a major cricketing hub.
The tri-series will also serve as a test run for Pakistan’s preparations to host major upcoming tournaments, including parts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
What to Expect
Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting two weeks of T20 action, with plenty of subplots — from Pakistan’s experimentation and Sri Lanka’s rebuilding to Zimbabwe’s determination to cause an upset. The night fixtures and the intensity of the tri-nation format promise an engaging spectacle for spectators at the ground and viewers worldwide.
With all matches played under lights, the Rawalpindi evenings are set to come alive with electrifying cricketing battles between three determined sides.
