Pakistan Hosts Historic T20I Tri-Series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe
Cricket fans are in for an exciting treat as Pakistan hosts its first-ever T20I tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The tournament kicks off on November 18, 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking a significant moment in Pakistan's cricket history as they welcome international teams for a multi-nation T20 competition.
Tournament Format and Venue Details
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series 2025 will feature a total of seven matches, all played at the same venue - the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The format includes a league stage where all three teams will compete against each other, followed by a final between the top two teams on November 29, 2025. All matches will begin at 6:30 PM IST, making it convenient for evening viewing across different time zones.
Team Updates and Squad Changes
Pakistan enters the tournament with strong momentum after recently defeating Sri Lanka 3-0 in a three-match ODI series. However, the Sri Lankan team faces significant challenges with captain Charith Asalanka and pacer Asitha Fernando returning home due to illness. In Asalanka's absence, experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan squad, while Pavan Rathnayake has been added as a replacement player.
The tournament composition itself saw a late change when Zimbabwe replaced Afghanistan after the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the series. This decision came following a tragic incident where three local Afghan cricketers were killed in an air strike in Urgon district, Paktika province. The ACB withdrew from the tournament as a mark of respect for the deceased players.
Complete Match 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 between top two teams
How to Watch in India: Streaming and Broadcast Information
For Indian cricket enthusiasts, the viewing situation requires some alternative arrangements. No Indian television channel has secured broadcast or live streaming rights for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series 2025. This situation likely stems from the strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, particularly following recent geopolitical tensions.
However, dedicated fans can still catch all the action through the Sports TV YouTube channel, which will provide live streaming of all seven matches. This digital platform offers an accessible way for Indian viewers to follow the tournament despite the absence of traditional broadcast options.
International Broadcasting Details
While Indian viewers have limited options, cricket fans elsewhere can access the tournament through various broadcasters:
Pakistan: PTV Sports and PCB digital platforms
North America: Willow TV
South East Asia: Cricbuzz and Astro
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog TV and Supreme TV
Bangladesh: T Sports and Tapmad
Complete Squad Lists
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga
Zimbabwe Squad: Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor
The T20I tri-series in Rawalpindi promises exciting cricket action as teams prepare for future international competitions. Despite the viewing challenges for Indian audiences, the tournament represents an important step in Pakistan's journey as a host nation for international cricket events and provides valuable match practice for all participating teams ahead of major global tournaments.
