Tag: Pakistan tri-series

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s explosive batter Abdul Samad has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I tri-series on Monday due to an injury sustained during a fielding drill at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Samad suffered a split-wound on the little finger of his left hand and subsequently required a medical procedure.

The injury will keep him out of action for nearly four weeks, ruling him out of the tri-series.

In response, the selectors have drafted in Hassan Nawaz as the replacement for Abdul Samad. The young batter is expected to join the squad on November 19.

Samad, 27, has featured in five T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 66 runs at a strike rate of 113.79. His last appearance in national colours came earlier this year against New Zealand in March.

Pakistan Squad for the T20I Tri-Series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Hassan Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

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DUBAI: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has been fined for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka, which was played at Rawalpindi on Sunday.

The star batter was penalized 10 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point on his disciplinary record. This marks his first offence in 24 months.

Babar was found in violation of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code, which addresses the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

The incident occurred in the 21st over when Babar, having been clean bowled by Sri Lankan spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for 34 off 52 balls, struck the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease.

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The charge was confirmed by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.

Babar accepted the sanction proposed by Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

The fine comes shortly after Babar ended a two-year century drought in the series, producing a match-winning unbeaten hundred in the second ODI to help Pakistan take a commanding lead in the three-match series.

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Sri Lanka have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the T20I tri-series, involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe, as captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been ruled out due to illness.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Monday that both players will return home immediately to undergo treatment and recover in time for future commitments.

According to the board, the decision was taken as a precaution, ensuring the duo receive proper medical attention rather than risk aggravating their condition during the demanding travel and match schedule.

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“Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will return home,” the SLC said in a statement.

“This precautionary decision ensures they receive proper care and sufficient time to recover ahead of future assignments.”

With Asalanka unavailable, former skipper Dasun Shanaka has been handed the captaincy for the tri-series, marking another leadership return for the experienced all-rounder.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

Meanwhile, uncapped top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been drafted into the squad as a replacement.

The tri-series kicks off on Tuesday with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka will begin their campaign on Thursday against Zimbabwe before facing Pakistan on November 22. Each side is scheduled to play four league games, with the top two teams meeting in the final on November 29.

Updated Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan T20I tri-series

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake and Eshan Malinga.

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RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that tickets for the upcoming T20I tri-series, featuring the hosts, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will be available for purchase online from 2 pm today (Friday).

Fans can secure their seats through pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will reach TCS Express Centres from 3pm on Saturday, 15 November. Details regarding ECP enclosures will be shared separately.

The week-long tri-series will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 18 to 29 November, with all seven matches scheduled for 6pm local time.

This marks an important home assignment for Pakistan, bringing three teams together under lights in Rawalpindi.

The PCB has kept ticket prices accessible for most enclosures, with General enclosure seats, Miran Bakhsh and Sohail Tanvir, priced at PKR 200 for all group matches and PKR 300 for the final.

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Tickets for the First-Class enclosures (Shoaib Akhtar, Yasir Arafat) will be priced at PKR 300 for all matches except the final, which will be available at PKR 400.

Fans wishing to watch the action from the Premium enclosures (Azhar Mahmood, Javed Miandad) can purchase tickets at PKR 400 for the first, second, fifth and sixth T20Is.

For the third and fourth fixtures, tickets will be priced at PKR 500, while premium tickets for the final will be available at PKR 600.

Tickets for the VIP enclosures (Imran Khan, Javed Akhtar) will be priced at PKR 500 for the first two T20Is and for the fixtures on 25 and 27 November.

For the contests on 22 and 23 November, tickets will be priced at PKR 600, while tickets for the final will cost PKR 700.

Seats in the PCB Gallery (Main Building) will be priced at PKR 1,000 for the first two T20Is and for the fixtures on 25 and 27 November.

For the 22 and 23 November matches, Gallery tickets will be available at PKR 1,200, while the final will be priced at PKR 1,500.

Platinum Box seats will be priced at PKR 8,000 for matches on 18, 20, 25 and 27 November, while for the matches on 22 and 23 November, they will be available at PKR 10,000.

Far-End Box seats will cost PKR 7,000 for matches on 18, 20, 25 and 27 November, while tickets for the 22 and 23 November fixtures will be priced at PKR 8,000. For the final, Far-End Box seats will be available at PKR 10,000.

Hospitality boxes for the series are also available for sale. For more information, fans can contact the PCB head office.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

The PCB also recently confirmed a revised schedule for the tournament. Pakistan and Zimbabwe will open the series on 18 November, followed by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe on 20 November.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 22 November, then take on Zimbabwe again on 23 November.

The remaining group matches, Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (25 November) and Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (27 November), will set the stage for the tri-series final on 29 November.

Revised T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

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Pakistan cricketers have expressed their gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the touring team for continuing their tour despite several players raising safety concerns.

The series faced uncertainty after several Sri Lankan players reportedly requested to return home on November 12, a day after the first ODI in Rawalpindi.

In response, SLC assured its players that all safety measures were being implemented in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.

The board instructed players and support staff to continue the tour, clarifying that anyone choosing to leave would be immediately replaced to ensure the series proceeded without disruption.

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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar praised Sri Lanka’s decision, posting on X: “Thank you Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism.”

Similarly, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said: “After a turbulent day, I am so pleased to know that the Sri Lanka tour is on!”

“A collective effort from all of us will help address such manic behaviour and brutality! A big thank you to the Sri Lankan Board, the players, and our Cricket Board for their efforts to ensure that cricket emerges as the true winner!”

Current Pakistan stars also voiced their appreciation.

Catch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka news updates here!

Salman Ali Agha thanked the Sri Lankan board and players for supporting Pakistan during a difficult time, urging fans to fill the stadium for the remaining ODIs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi requested fans to attend the November 14 and 16 fixtures in large numbers, while Haris Rauf emphasized that Sri Lanka’s decision was a win for cricket itself.

Notably, the second ODI, originally scheduled for Thursday, 13 November, will now be played on Friday, 14 November, while the final fixture is set for Sunday, 16 November.

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RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revised schedule for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series involving hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

The cricket board confirmed that the entire tournament will now take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

According to the updated itinerary, the tri-series will now begin on November 18, a day later than originally planned, with the final set for November 29.

The adjustment follows recent developments surrounding Sri Lanka’s ongoing white-ball tour of Pakistan, which has been clouded by uncertainty after several Sri Lankan players reportedly expressed concerns about security in the aftermath of a bomb blast in Islamabad.

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While speculation had swirled over whether Sri Lanka might curtail their stay, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) moved swiftly to allay fears, releasing a statement that assured, “comprehensive security arrangements” were being closely coordinated with the PCB and local authorities to ensure the safety of all players.

The PCB, meanwhile, has sought to minimize disruption by consolidating the tri-series entirely in Rawalpindi, a venue that has become a regular home for international cricket in recent months.

Revised T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

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ISLAMABAD: Zimbabwe national cricket team has landed in Pakistan ahead of the T20I tri-nation series featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka, slated to take place in Rawalpindi from November 18 to 29.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Sikandar Raza-led side will take a day’s rest before beginning training on Friday as preparations ramp up for the week-long tournament.

The series, initially scheduled to begin on November 17, was pushed back by a day following uncertainty surrounding Sri Lanka’s ongoing white-ball tour of Pakistan.

The revision came after several Sri Lankan players expressed a desire to return home, citing security concerns in the aftermath of a recent bomb blast in Islamabad.

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the situation, saying the team management had informed the board about the players’ concerns.

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The SLC, however, assured its squad that all safety measures were being taken in close coordination with the PCB and local authorities to ensure their well-being.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the board said.

“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the PCB and the relevant authorities.”

The statement further clarified that any player opting to return home despite the board’s assurances would be replaced, with their decision to be formally reviewed.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Pakistan–Sri Lanka ODI series has also seen a minor adjustment, with the remaining two fixtures in Rawalpindi now set to take place on November 14 and 16, both postponed by a day each.

READ: PCB reschedules remaining Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI fixtures

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the match officials for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring the hosts, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

The tri-series is slated to commence on November 17, with the final to be played on November 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Reon King, former West Indies fast bowler and a member of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, will serve as the match referee for the entire seven-match series.

The opening T20I between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be officiated by Asif Yaqoob from the ICC Emerging Panel and Rashid Riaz from the ICC International Panel of Umpires, with Faisal Afridi taking charge as third umpire and Tariq Rasheed serving as fourth.

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz will stand on-field while Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed perform third and fourth umpire duties, respectively.

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As the series moves to Lahore, Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi will officiate on-field during the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Rashid Riaz acting as third umpire and Tariq Rasheed as fourth.

The following day’s fixture between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will see Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi on-field, while Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed take charge of third and fourth umpiring responsibilities.

For the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match, Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will be on-field umpires, with Ahsan Raza officiating as third umpire and Faisal Afridi as fourth.

In the penultimate game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Ahsan Raza and Faisal Afridi will take on on-field duties, while Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob manage third and fourth umpire roles.

The final on November 29 will see Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob as on-field umpires, with Rashid Riaz serving as third umpire and Faisal Afridi as fourth.

T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

• 17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the schedule for the home T20I tri-series, involving Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The series has been organised to provide all teams with valuable preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be staged in India and Sri Lanka.

The tri-series will begin on 17 November with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

This will be Afghanistan’s first-ever T20I in Pakistan, having earlier played five ODIs in the country, the last of which was against Australia during ICC Champions Trophy in February this year.

On 19 November, Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining five T20Is of the tri-series, including the final on 29 November will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Earlier, in October/November, Pakistan will host South Africa for a two-match Test series – part of ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, as well as three T20Is and three ODIs from 12 October to 8 November.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed:

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

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka)

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

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