Pakistan Cricket Team to host first tri-series after 20 years

The Pakistan cricket team is set to revamp a decades-old tradition by hosting their first tri-series after 20 years. Fans of Pakistan cricket will get to experience a high-profile one-day triangular series involving their favourite national team players after a long drought.

Which Countries Will Take Part in the Scheduled Tri-Series in Pakistan?

Pakistan will face top cricket nations in New Zealand and South Africa at the scheduled tri-nation series. The triangular series involving these cricket teams will see fans of Pakistan experience high-profile games after a long wait.  

When Did International Cricket Return to Pakistan?

International cricket made a full comeback to Pakistan in 2020, over a decade after the country suffered several setbacks to its security reputation. Pakistan now has several sanctions against cricket tours lifted, seeing many teams visit the country for competitive games.

Why Has Pakistan Not Hosted a Tri-Series for 20 Years?

Pakistan has not hosted a three-nation series since 2004 after a series of terrorist attacks ruined the country’s sporting landscape. The attack on a Sri Lanka team bus in 2009 coupled with a hotel invasion in India erased Pakistan’s gains as a welcoming nation for cricket fans and opposing teams.

When Last Did Pakistan Host a Tri-Nation Series Before 2024?

Pakistan last hosted a tri-nation series in 2004, hosting Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka for that event. The Men in Green have not been able to host any tri-series after that event owing to concerns over player safety by many countries for years.

Terror attacks in India coupled with a bombing during a team’s tour saw the reduction in Pakistan’s appeal as a country to visit for professional cricket. The removal of sanctions after these attacks is a welcome relief for Pakistan fans, players, and the country’s cricket governing body.

When Did Pakistan Lose Its Hosting Rights for ICC Tournaments?

The ICC placed a ban on international cricket tournaments in Pakistan from 2011, two years after the Sri Lanka team attack. Security concerns was the driving factor behind this ban, but the ICC now feels the safety of teams touring Pakistan has significantly improved since 2009.

What Does the PCB Say About the Upcoming Tri-Series?

The PCB are elated to finally host a high-profile tri-nation series on Pakistani soil after such a long hiatus. Current PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi commented on the development through an official press release shortly after the series was confirmed:

“The tri-series between Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand will be an exciting event and it is after a long time that Pakistan will host such a tournament,” the PCB chief said in the press release.

Naqvi also commented on the country’s preparedness towards hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“The PCB is also looking forward to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be a great pleasure for Pakistan to host the top eight ODI teams on its soil.”

Is Pakistan on Schedule to Host an ICC Tournament Soon?

Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in 2025, breaking from a long period of no international cricket events in the country. Pakistan last hosted a major international cricket tournament in 1996. The PCB hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup and have failed to attract global attention to their infrastructure and readiness to host international tournaments since that time.

However, all that seems to be changing rapidly after the PCB chair confirmed their latest tournament hosting rights.

Will India Tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Pakistan’s neighbours India have not toured the country since the 2000s. Sanctions against Pakistan are still in place, so it is unclear if India will opt to not take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Pakistan 2024 Full Schedule

Pakistan Full Squad

Openers – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (W-K)

Middle-Order – Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmad, Aamer Jamal, Saim Ayub

Wicket-Keepers – Mohammad Rizwan & Mohammad Haris

All-Rounders – Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf

Spinners – Usama Mir

Pacers – Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr.