The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revised schedule for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, which will now begin on November 18 instead of November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
According to the PCB press release, the series has been pushed ahead by one day from its original start date, with the final still set to take place on November 29.
All seven T20I matches, including the final, will now be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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Each match is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm local time, with the toss taking place at 5:30 pm.
The change comes amid uncertainty over Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of Pakistan after several players reportedly expressed their wish to return home, citing safety concerns following a recent blast in Islamabad.
READ: Tri-Nation T20I Series: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe Squads, Schedule & Where to Watch
In response, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued a statement confirming that it was working closely with the PCB and local authorities to ensure the team’s security.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the statement read.
“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the PCB and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” it added.
SLC further stated that any player opting to return home despite the assurances would be replaced to ensure the series continues as planned, and their decision would be formally reviewed.
READ: Sri Lanka reverses decision to leave Pakistan tour after Naqvi’s assurance
Meanwhile, the ongoing ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has also been revised, with the second match rescheduled from Thursday to Friday, November 14, and the third ODI now set to be played on November 16.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked the Sri Lankan team for their cooperation and confirmed the schedule.
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Revised T20I Tri-Series schedule:
18 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
20 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
22 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
23 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
25 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
27 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
29 November: Final – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
