Pakistan will stage a T20 international tri-series in November featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Sunday. The competition has been scheduled as part of preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tri-series will get underway on November 17 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan will face Afghanistan. It will also mark the first time that Pakistan play Afghanistan in a T20I on home soil. Although Afghanistan have been part of recent tournaments in Pakistan, including the 2023 Asia Cup and this year’s Champions Trophy, they did not meet the hosts in those competitions. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed expressed his excitement at the announcement, saying, “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.” Sri Lanka will also feature prominently in the tournament, with matches split between Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is set to be held in Lahore on November 29. Before the tri-series, Pakistan are scheduled for a full home assignment against South Africa. That series, running from October 12 to November 8, includes two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. T20I Tri-series schedule: • 17 November – Pakistan vs Afghanistan, Rawalpindi • 19 November – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Rawalpindi • 22 November – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore • 23 November – Pakistan vs Afghanistan, Lahore • 25 November – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Lahore • 27 November – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore • 29 November – Final, Lahore
