Pakistan to Host Tri-Nation T20 Series Fully in Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday that the upcoming tri-nation Twenty20 international series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played entirely in Rawalpindi. The tournament will begin on November 18 and conclude with the final on November 29.

The decision comes after this week’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and raised safety concerns among visiting teams. Originally, five of the tournament’s matches were planned for Lahore, but the PCB decided to relocate the entire series to Rawalpindi for operational and security reasons.

In its official statement, the PCB explained that the revised schedule was finalized “after mutual discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket to accommodate both operational and match requirements.” The series is considered an important preparation event ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will take place immediately after the ongoing one-day international (ODI) series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the last two ODIs scheduled in Rawalpindi on Friday and Sunday. The change in venue ensures that all cricketing activities remain centralized in one location to reduce logistical challenges and enhance player safety.

The development follows concerns raised by several Sri Lankan players, who had requested to return home after Tuesday’s bombing in Islamabad. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board issued strict instructions for all players and staff to remain in Pakistan and continue the tour as planned. The board warned that anyone who chose to leave would face disciplinary action.

Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities located just 20 kilometers apart, meaning the security situation in one city can directly affect the other. Despite the recent attack, the PCB reassured all participating teams that comprehensive security arrangements were in place to ensure their safety throughout the tournament.

Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket has often been challenged by security concerns. In 2009, gunmen attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, injuring several players and officials. Following that tragic event, Pakistan was forced to play its “home” matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for several years.

However, in recent years, Pakistan has successfully restored its reputation as a safe host. Security improvements in major cities and the return of test cricket—marked by Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour—have encouraged more international teams to visit again.

The PCB also confirmed that Afghanistan, originally slated to participate in the tri-series, withdrew last month following the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board attributed to military strikes. Zimbabwe was invited to replace Afghanistan in the lineup, completing the three-nation tournament.

The tri-series will feature several key matches between the three teams, offering crucial preparation time before the T20 World Cup. Cricket analysts expect the series to serve as an important opportunity for teams to test their combinations, fine-tune bowling and batting lineups, and build momentum for the global event.

PCB officials expressed confidence that the series would proceed smoothly despite the challenges. The board thanked both Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket for their understanding and cooperation, highlighting their commitment to ensuring that international cricket continues to thrive in Pakistan.

The final match of the tri-nation series will be held on November 29, marking the end of a significant cricketing month for Pakistan. The event will also symbolize the country’s resilience and its continuing efforts to restore full international cricket hosting status after years of setbacks.