The tri-nation cricket series involving Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, scheduled for next year, is facing uncertainty, with changes to the proposed fixtures under consideration. According to sources, Zimbabwe may not travel to Pakistan for the planned tri-nation series, while changes to Ireland’s tour are also being considered.
Sources said Ireland could visit Pakistan to play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) instead of the originally planned one Test and three T20 Internationals. A proposal for a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe had been under consideration for next year. However, a final decision on the series and the teams’ schedules will be taken after consultations among the three cricket boards.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet again on October 18 in the opening match of the ODI tri-series, also at Rawalpindi.
The tri-nation competition will follow a double round-robin format, with each team playing the other sides twice. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the final, which is scheduled to be played in Lahore on October 31.
England will begin its campaign against Pakistan on October 20 before facing Sri Lanka two days later, with both matches set to take place in Rawalpindi. The teams will then move to Lahore for the remaining four league matches and the final.
Pakistan will host an ODI tri-series for the second successive year. Last year, Pakistan hosted South Africa and New Zealand in a three-team ODI competition ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The Test leg of Sri Lanka’s tour will follow the limited-overs matches. The first of the two Tests is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, while the second Test will take place in Lahore from November 17 to 21, based on their superior ranking.