Afghanistan has decided to withdraw from the upcoming T20 tri-series in Pakistan, which was supposed to include Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The decision came after a tragic incident where three Afghan cricketers lost their lives in airstrikes in Paktika province.
After Afghanistan’s withdrawal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Zimbabwe will take their place in the tournament. The tri-series will now feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe and will be played from November 17 to 29, 2025, in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Updated Tri-Series Schedule (T20I)
- 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
The ICC and BCCI have offered their condolences to Afghanistan, describing the attack that caused their withdrawal as a heartbreaking loss for the cricket community. With Zimbabwe joining the tournament, the series will still go ahead and serve as an important warm-up event for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Venues Overview
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the first two matches. It’s known for being good for batting and having a great evening atmosphere.
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the rest of the matches, including the final. It’s famous for its large crowd capacity and excellent lighting for night games.
This updated schedule makes the tri-series an important warm-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, giving Pakistan and Sri Lanka valuable match practice and marking Zimbabwe’s return to top-level international cricket.
Prediction: Tri-Series Zimbabwe Players
Zimbabwe’s probable T20 squad for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan includes a strong mix of experienced players and young talent. The team will likely be based on the 16-member squad that recently played against Sri Lanka.
Probable Squad:
- Sikandar Raza (Captain)
- Brendan Taylor (Wicketkeeper-batsman, back after ICC ban)
- Sean Williams (All-rounder, returning to T20Is)
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Brad Evans (All-rounder)
- Trevor Gwandu
- Clive Madande
- Tinotenda Maposa (Fast bowler)
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tony Munyonga
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Blessing Muzarabani (Pacer)
- Dion Myers
- Richard Ngarava (Bowler)
The squad features senior players like Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, who bring experience and leadership, along with dependable all-rounders and strong bowlers suited for T20 cricket.
While Craig Ervine, the usual Test and ODI captain, may not be part of the T20 lineup, Sikandar Raza will lead the team. Based on Zimbabwe’s recent selections and focus ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, this lineup is the most likely one they will field for the tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.