By Ankit Kumar | Updated: October 19, 2025 7:19 AM IST
Following Afghanistan's withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a new team. The tri-series, scheduled for November, will now feature Zimbabwe. The tournament will be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board decided to withdraw from the tri-series following the deaths of three of its cricketers in an alleged airstrike in Pakistan. This tragic incident shocked the Afghan cricket community, leading the board to cancel its tour of Pakistan.
Within hours of Afghanistan's withdrawal, the PCB began searching for a new team. The board immediately contacted Zimbabwe Cricket and confirmed their participation the very next day. This swift decision has been praised across the cricketing world.
The Pakistan Cricket Board stated, “Afghanistan has expressed its inability to participate in the tournament, following which Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted our invitation.” The PCB also confirmed that the Sri Lankan team will remain a part of the series.
The first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second match will also be played at the same ground on November 19, with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe facing each other.
After the two matches in Rawalpindi, all remaining matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A total of five matches will be played there, including the final on November 29.
Sri Lanka had already confirmed its participation in the tri-series. Now, it will showcase its strength in matches against Zimbabwe and Pakistan. This series is considered a crucial part of the three teams' preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
November 17: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi November 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Lahore November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Lahore November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore November 29: Final – Lahore