Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series 2025: Zimbabwe Steps In After Afghan Pullout

Overview

LAHORE — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the upcoming Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series 2025 🇵🇰🏆. The tournament, which will also feature Sri Lanka, is scheduled from November 17 to November 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. The tri-series will serve as a crucial preparation platform for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The NewsCloud.pk learned that Afghanistan’s withdrawal came amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, prompting the PCB to swiftly invite Zimbabwe Cricket to fill the vacant slot. The decision ensures that the much-anticipated tri-nation series proceeds as planned, preserving its international importance and competitive balance.

Full Schedule of Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series

The series will begin on November 17 with Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The final is scheduled for November 29 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Below is the complete match schedule:

• 📅 Nov 17: Pakistan 🆚 Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 📅 Nov 19: Sri Lanka 🆚 Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 📅 Nov 22: Pakistan 🆚 Sri Lanka – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 📅 Nov 23: Pakistan 🆚 Zimbabwe – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 📅 Nov 25: Sri Lanka 🆚 Zimbabwe – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 📅 Nov 27: Pakistan 🆚 Sri Lanka – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 📅 Nov 29: Tri-Series Final 🏆 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

🔥 Why Zimbabwe’s Inclusion Matters

Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series 2025 adds both experience and excitement. The African side has steadily improved its T20I rankings, defeating strong opponents in recent years. Their participation ensures Pakistan and Sri Lanka face a balanced competition rather than one-sided contests.

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Fans are eager to see how Zimbabwe’s young guns perform against top Asian teams on Pakistani soil 🏟️. The Rawalpindi crowd, known for its passion, will likely turn out in large numbers to cheer for their national heroes and welcome the Zimbabwean team with warmth and enthusiasm.

⚔️ Why Afghanistan Pulled Out

Afghanistan’s withdrawal was confirmed after border clashes erupted between Pakistani forces and Taliban militants along the Durand Line earlier this month. The conflict resulted in several casualties, including Pakistani soldiers who embraced martyrdom while defending their territory 🇵🇰.

Due to these tensions, diplomatic and logistical constraints made Afghanistan’s participation in the tournament unfeasible. The PCB acted promptly to maintain the tri-series format by extending an invitation to Zimbabwe Cricket, which accepted without hesitation.

🎯 Preparation for T20 World Cup 2026

The tri-series will serve as an ideal testing ground ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. It gives all three teams — Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe — an opportunity to experiment with combinations, evaluate player form, and build momentum before the mega event.

Pakistan’s T20 squad, led by Babar Azam, will aim to strengthen its bowling attack and middle-order batting before facing global giants next year. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will focus on consistency, and Zimbabwe will look to prove their growing competitiveness in the shortest format.

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🏆 Venues and Security Arrangements

All matches will be hosted at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The PCB and local authorities have assured world-class security measures to ensure the safety of all players and officials. Pakistan’s success in organizing international tournaments in recent years has boosted global confidence in its hosting capabilities 🌟.

🔚 Conclusion

The inclusion of Zimbabwe in place of Afghanistan keeps the spirit of cricket alive despite regional challenges. The Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series 2025 not only strengthens Pakistan’s sports diplomacy but also gives fans a thrilling display of world-class T20 cricket. With top players, packed stadiums, and national pride at stake, this series promises to be a memorable chapter in Pakistan’s cricket calendar 🏏🔥.

❓ FAQs

1. Who replaced Afghanistan in the Pakistan T20 Tri-Nation Series 2025? Zimbabwe replaced Afghanistan T20 tri-Nation series after the latter withdrew due to border tensions.
2. When will the T20 tri-Nation series start? The T20 tri-Nation series series begins on November 17, 2025, in Rawalpindi.
3. Which teams are participating? Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will feature in the tournament.
4. Where will the final be played? The final will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on November 29, 2025.
5. Why did Afghanistan pull out from T20 Tri_Nation series? Ongoing border clashes and diplomatic tensions prevented Afghanistan from participating.