Pakistan is set to host Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in a revised T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 after Afghanistan withdrew following the recent airstrike.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Zimbabwe as the replacement team to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned. The series will take place from November 17 to 29, 2025, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
In addition to being a vital prelude to the matches planned for those years, this time frame is a significant lead-up to the following few.
Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating competitive action as Zimbabwe steps in to join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for what promises to be an exciting series on home soil.
What Happened
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced it would withdraw from the upcoming T20I tri-nation series in Pakistan, initially scheduled for 17–29 November 2025.
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Zimbabwe has accepted their invitation. Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan as the third team in the series, joining Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Why Afghanistan Withdrew
The ACB’s withdrawal came after an airstrike in Paktika province killed three young Afghan cricketers. They described the incident as a “great loss to Afghanistan’s sports community” and cited it as the reason for not participating in the series.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and other cricketing bodies expressed sorrow and condemned the deaths.
Zimbabwe Steps In as Replacement
Zimbabwe accepted the PCB’s invitation quickly, enabling the tournament to proceed with minimal disruption. The series will now include Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
The schedule remains mainly unchanged: the tournament begins on 17 November 2025 in Rawalpindi. The tournament will conclude with the final in Lahore on 29 November 2025.
Significance for the Series
This tri-nation event will mark the first tri-series hosted by Pakistan on its soil. It also serves as a key preparation platform for the teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (to be held in India and Sri Lanka).
Zimbabwe has a great chance to compete at the full-member level once more and get recognition at this event. For Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it keeps the series intact despite the withdrawal.
Schedule Overview (Revised)
- 17 Nov: Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe—Rawalpindi.
- 19 Nov: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe—Rawalpindi.
- 22 Nov – 29 Nov: The series moves to Lahore (including the remaining matches and the final).
Larger Context & Implications
- The withdrawal by Afghanistan highlights how geopolitical tensions and security incidents can impact sports and scheduled tournaments.
- Pakistan’s quick finding of a replacement team helps maintain the credibility and integrity of the schedule in international cricket.
- Zimbabwe’s acceptance underscores its willingness to engage in more high-profile tournaments.
What to Watch
- Considering Zimbabwe’s distinct status from Afghanistan, it will be fascinating to observe the impact of the replacement on tournament competitiveness and fan interest.
- The event is expected to proceed smoothly in Rawalpindi and Lahore, taking into account logistical and security factors.
- This series serves as a means for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to prepare for the T20 World Cup.