Pakistan’s upcoming T20I tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe has been moved in its entirety to Rawalpindi following the suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the shift on Thursday, November 13, releasing a revised schedule for the seven-match event.
The tri-series is seen as an important preparation phase for all three teams as they build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
As part of the revised arrangements, the second game of the series has been pushed back by a day to November 20. Initially, Lahore was set to host five of the seven games, including the final on November 29. However, after discussions involving all three boards, it was agreed that Rawalpindi would now host the entire tournament to ensure player safety and logistical consistency.
Concerns were raised within the Sri Lankan camp after the bombing, with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) acknowledging that several players expressed a desire to return home due to security worries. The episode prompted internal discussions, with players seeking clarity on safety protocols and their own participation in the series.
In response, SLC issued a directive instructing all players, support staff, and team officials to continue the tour as planned. The board emphasised its commitment to supporting Pakistan while also ensuring that any apprehensions within the squad were addressed. However, the SLC made its position firm: if any player or staff member still chooses to return home despite the directive, replacements will be dispatched immediately so the tour can proceed without disruption.
Furthermore, SLC stated that any individual who withdraws from the tour against instructions will face a formal review upon returning to Sri Lanka. The board will assess their actions and determine an appropriate course of action once the tour concludes.
With the venue shift finalised and the boards aligned on security measures, the tri-series is now set to move ahead in Rawalpindi. The focus for all three teams will be on cricket, even as the backdrop of heightened security remains a significant storyline heading into the competition.
NO SRI LANKAN PLAYERS TO RETURN
The Sri Lankan team are set to continue their ongoing bilateral series against Pakistan with no players reportedly planning on returning home.
As per a PTI report, Mahinda Halangoda, the team manager, clarified this with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC), having talked with the players.
“I can confirm that,” he said.
The report also reveals that the SLC President, Shammi Silva and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan have gotten involved to settle the concerns.
The PCB also revealed that the remainder of the ODIs left in the ongoing series has also been scheduled, with the two matches now being played on Friday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15.
FULL SERIES SCHEDULE
- 18 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
- 20 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
- 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
- 23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
- 25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
- 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
- 29 November –Final
– Ends
