NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has rescheduled the start of the T20I tri series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to November 18 and shifted all matches to Rawalpindi after security concerns in the wake of a suicide attack in Islamabad.
The second match of the seven game event has also been pushed by a day to November 20. Earlier, Lahore was set to host five games including the final on November 29 but all three boards have now agreed to hold the entire tournament in Rawalpindi. The PCB said the revised schedule was finalised in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket to accommodate operational and match requirements.
Tight security and player assurance
The Zimbabwe team arrived in Islamabad early Thursday morning under strict security arrangements. The PCB called the event an important preparatory platform ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The Sri Lankan players, who are currently playing an ODI series in Pakistan, have also agreed to continue the tour after security discussions with their board.
Sri Lanka’s team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed that no player or official would return home. Reports suggested that eight players had raised concerns after the Islamabad attack which left 12 dead and several injured, but after detailed talks led by Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan, the players agreed to stay.
PCB thanks Sri Lanka for support
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for continuing their tour, praising their trust and cooperation.
The PCB also announced changes to the ODI schedule. The remaining two matches of the ongoing series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now be played in Rawalpindi on Friday and Sunday instead of the originally planned dates of November 13 and 15.
The decision ensures that international cricket continues in Pakistan despite recent challenges, with strong cooperation between all participating boards.
(With PTI Inputs)
