Pakistan Moves T20 Tri-Series to Rawalpindi After Security Concerns
Pakistan’s upcoming T20I tri-series, featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, will now take place entirely in Rawalpindi. This decision comes after a tragic suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the venue change on Thursday, November 13, along with an updated schedule for the seven-match series.
The tri-series is a crucial step for all three teams as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Due to the recent security incident, the second match of the series has been rescheduled to November 20. Originally, Lahore was set to host five of the seven matches, including the final on November 29. However, after discussions between the participating boards, it was determined that Rawalpindi would be the safest option for the tournament.
The bombing prompted concerns from the Sri Lankan team, with several players expressing a desire to return home due to safety fears. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) acknowledged these worries and discussed safety measures with the team.
In response, the SLC instructed all players and staff to continue with the tour as planned. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan while addressing any security concerns within the squad. However, the SLC made it clear that if any player still chooses to leave, replacements will be called up immediately to keep the tour on track. Any player who withdraws against these instructions will face a review when they return home.
With the venue confirmed and security measures in place, the tri-series is set to go ahead in Rawalpindi. All three teams are focusing on the cricket ahead, despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
Sri Lankan Team Confirm No Players Will Withdraw
The Sri Lankan team is continuing with the series, and no players are planning to return home. Team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed this information after discussing it with the players.
Additionally, SLC President Shammi Silva and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan have been involved to help resolve any lingering concerns.
The PCB has also set the schedule for the remaining ODIs in the ongoing series, with matches now planned for November 14 and November 15.
Full Series Schedule:
-
November 18 – Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe
-
November 20 – Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe
-
November 22 – Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
-
November 23 – Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe
-
November 25 – Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe
-
November 27 – Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
-
November 29 – Final
-
Ends –
