Pakistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe Tri-Series in Doubt as PCB Eyes ODIs
Zimbabwe is unlikely to visit Pakistan for next year's tri-series, and Ireland may come only for three ODIs instead.
A planned three-nation cricket series between Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe next year is now in doubt. Reports on Monday said Zimbabwe is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also talking to Ireland about changing the matches the Irish team will play on its visit.
No final decision has been made. The three cricket boards are still discussing the schedule, and sources say a decision will come only after more talks. The PCB has not made any official statement on the matter so far.
What was planned, and what may change
The tri-series was first reported in late June. At that time, Geo Super said the PCB had approved its budget for the 2026-27 financial year, and that budget included money for a tri-series with Ireland and Zimbabwe. It was to be Pakistan's second three-team event of the season.
The same plan also included a separate tour of Pakistan by Ireland. Under the first plan, Ireland was expected to play one Test match and three T20 internationals. Now, according to sources, Ireland may come only for a series of three one day internationals (ODIs).
The reports do not say why Zimbabwe may not come, and its withdrawal is not confirmed yet. Zimbabwe has played in Pakistan recently. In November 2025, it took part in a T20 tri-series in Rawalpindi with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won.
Why the PCB wants more ODIs
Sources say the PCB's think tank wants to focus more on 50-over cricket next year. The reason is the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in 2027, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The national team's schedule for next year is being made with this in mind.
This explains the possible change to Ireland's tour. Three ODIs would give Pakistan's players more match time in the same format they will play at the World Cup. A Test and T20 matches would not help much with that goal.
England and Sri Lanka series is already fixed
While next year's plans are unclear, Pakistan's next tri-series is only weeks away. The PCB announced on August 19 that England and Sri Lanka will come to Pakistan for an ODI tri-series from October 18 to October 31. Each team will play the other two teams twice, and the top two teams will meet in the final.
Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
October 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
October 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi |
October 22 | England vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
October 25 | Pakistan vs England | Lahore |
October 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
October 29 | England vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
October 31 | Final | Lahore |
Some early reports said the final would be on November 1. However, the PCB's official announcement says the tri-series runs until October 31, and published schedules list the final at Gaddafi Stadium on that date. Fans should follow the PCB for any late changes.
The tri-series is part of a long home season. Sri Lanka will arrive on October 4 and play three T20 internationals in Rawalpindi from October 9 to 13. After the tri-series, Sri Lanka will play a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will then play two Tests for the ICC World Test Championship, in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13 and in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
What it means for Pakistani fans
This will be Pakistan's second ODI tri-series at home in two years. In February 2025, before the Champions Trophy, Pakistan hosted New Zealand and South Africa in a similar event. For fans, it shows that top teams keep coming to Pakistan, and England playing in Rawalpindi and Lahore will be a big draw.
The October matches will also give Pakistan's players real tests before the 2027 World Cup, while England and Sri Lanka try out their own squads. The news about Zimbabwe and Ireland is less clear. If Zimbabwe does pull out, the PCB may need to change or drop next year's tri-series. Fans will have to wait for the full 2027 schedule, which sources say is still being prepared.