As reported on September 7, 2025, Pakistan is going to host a T20I tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan from November 17 to 29, 2025. It promises to be exciting with three competitive teams playing the fast-paced game of cricket.

Venues and Schedule

During the tri-nation series, games will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Rawalpindi will host the initial matches, while more matches will be played in Lahore, with the highly anticipated finals match being played there.

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Here is the full schedule for the T20I tri-nation series:

Format of the Competition

The tri-series will be a round-robin format where each side will play against the other twice. The top two teams will then meet in the final on November 29 in Lahore. All of this guarantees a series with plenty of high-impact matches before the final.

Confirmed- Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to participate in a Tri-Series from November 17th to 29 in Pakistan 🇵🇰. pic.twitter.com/4AVjJ6HkjV

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 7, 2025

The tri-series will take place directly after the UAE T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan vs Afghanistan), which concluded at the beginning of September 2025. Sri Lanka was not part of that series, which makes including Sri Lanka in Pakistan an exciting and new concept. The tri-series format creates balance among the three sides and ensures that there are new conflicts to watch.

This tri-series is going to provide the fans with a festival of T20 cricket in late 2025. To add to that, Pakistan has proven strong home form, Afghanistan has ruthless hitting, and Sri Lanka has tactical experience. Along with great entertainment for the fans, international and regional ties will be strengthened.

It is time for the last league stage game in the United Arab Emirates T20I tri-series 2025, where the hosts UAE are ready to face Afghanistan at Sharjah on Friday (August 5). While the Final of the tournament has already been sorted, as Pakistan and Afghanistan will face each other on Sunday (August 7), this match won't affect the tournament.

Currently, Pakistan are leading the point table with six points after four games with three wins and one loss. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have four points after three games with two wins and one loss, and they need a big win against the UAE to finish the points table as the leader. The hosts UAE are dreaming of their first win of the tournament, as they have recorded three out of three defeats without opening their points tally. 

While all teams are participating in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025, which the UAE will host between September 9 and 28, this T20I tri-series is very important for all teams. While Afghanistan want to continue their momentum before the tournament Final and the forthcoming Asia Cup, the UAE are desperate for a victory to boost their confidence before hosting the Asia Cup. 

See Also: Will Sri Lanka successfully defend their Asia Cup T20I crown?

United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Toss update

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan have rested some of their regular players, including their captain Rashid Khan, as Ibrahim Zadran is leading the team in this game. 

All five matches of this tournament experienced comfortable victory results for the first batting teams, while the closest victory margin was by 18 runs for Afghanistan against Pakistan. 

United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Playing XIs

Afghanistan — Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai 

United Arab Emirates — Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh

On the evening of August 31, 2025, a catastrophic earthquake struck Afghanistan, visibly affecting the nation, with Kunar province bearing the greatest loss. Villages were destroyed, families were displaced, and thousands of survivors were left without food, shelter, or medical assistance. 

Behind the statistics are real human experiences: mothers looking for food for their children, fathers attempting to rebuild walls that have fallen down with no tools but their hands, and children dealing with the reality that their homes are no longer there, nor are their family members. The catastrophic event has rendered so many Afghan families hopeless and in desperation, and in urgent need of support.

Watch the video: 

Heartbroken for my people in Kunar after the devastating earthquake. I’ve launched a GoFundMe to support the victims every donation can help rebuild lives. Please stand with us. 🙏💙https://t.co/PEcwlIGDF8 pic.twitter.com/YmVcN0JJwK

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) September 2, 2025

Rashid Khan’s Heartfelt Appeal After Kunar Earthquake

Afghanistan's cricket icon, Rashid Khan, shared in his anguish for his people in Kunar, "I am shattered by the reality I see in the scenes of destruction." He launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the victims in Kunar, asking his worldwide fanbase and wishes well to donate. "Every penny counts, and you can help rebuild lives," Rashid implored, adding, "Let's stand together in times like this."

ALSO SEE: ‘I Thought You Abused Me’ – Team India Pacer Reveals Heated Exchange with Joe Root in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Alongside Rashid Khan’s effort, the Afghan Cultural Society (dba Afghan American Home) has also stepped forward to coordinate relief. For years, the organization has supported Afghan communities in times of hardship, and today, it is once again mobilizing aid.

With your support, families in Kunar and beyond can receive:

• Emergency food and clean water

• Temporary shelter and warm blankets

• Medical care for the injured

• Comfort and dignity for grieving families

The journey to recovery will be a difficult one, but if we turn hope into action, it's possible that hope can rise out of the ashes. Each offering is more than a generous donation; it is a message to Afghan families that they haven't been abandoned and that the world still stands in solidarity and support with them.

Now is the time to stand together, whether it is through the GoFundMe of Rashid Khan or the relief campaign through the Afghan Cultural Society (or any organization of your choice). Your generous donations can help bring a glimmer of light in the darkest of times.

On behalf of the Afghan people, thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support.

The 2025 UAE T20I Tri-Series kicked off with a bang as Pakistan clashed with Afghanistan in the opening match at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Friday. In the toss update, Pakistan captain Salman Agha called correctly and chose to bat first, allowing his youthful side to test their batting powers against Afghanistan's established spin unit. 

For Pakistan, the tri-series has extra importance since it is their last rehearsal before the Asia Cup in 2025. The team has been in a state of transition since the last T20 World Cup and was trying out some new players, new combinations, and new strategies. Choosing to bat first indicates they want to put runs on the board and make Afghanistan chase under lights on a pitch that usually favours spin.

Rashid Khan backs spin attack as Afghanistan eye strong start in UAE Tri-Series ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was pleased to bowl first, trusting in the team's ability with their spin-heavy arsenal to enforce pressure during the middle overs. Knowing they have beaten Pakistan in three of their last four T20I matches, Afghanistan will be confident with their record.

ALSO SEE: UAE Tri Series: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 1st Match match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

The tri-series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with the hosts U.A.E. will take place from August 29 - September 5, following a double round-robin format where the top two teams will advance to the finals on September 7; this will be a great opportunity for both teams to hone their skills ahead of the Asia Cup starting just two days after the final of this series.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad.

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's cricketing icon, has officially become a part of the Red Bull Athlete family in order to expand on his already impressive career. Rashid and the brand announced the news together, with Rashid announcing the news through a post and video on his official Instagram account. Red Bull also put out promotional material with Rashid so that they confirmed to both him and the world that he is in the family with some very prestigious company.

The leg spinning sensation now at the age of 26 joins the likes of international stars KL Rahul, Ben Stokes, Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis and Riyan Parag as a part of the Red Bull family, most notably became only the second Asian Cricketer after KL Rahul to join Red Bull, providing significant marker to statistics in Rashid's international appeal and marketability.

Rashid Khan's story is a wonderful one. Ever since making his Afghanistan debut back in 2015, Rashid has played a crucial part in taking Afghanistan from an emerging cricketing nation to a much more competitive nation on the international cricket world stage. Rashid Khan is one of the few players in the world who will definitely win matches for their team in a T20I cricket match. He has played key roles in top franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, and The Hundred, cementing his place as one of the hottest prospects anywhere in the world, and possibly the hottest player anywhere in world cricket.

Rashid Khan’s Red Bull Deal Marks New Era for Afghan Cricket’s Global Rise

Afghanistan’s cricket story is remarkable in itself. From competing in Division Five of the World Cricket League in 2008 to achieving full ICC membership in 2017, the team’s rise has been meteoric. Rashid has been central to this success, inspiring a new generation of Afghan cricketers while also serving as a global ambassador for the sport in his country.

Watch the video:

THE MAGICIAN OF AFGHANISTAN, RASHID KHAN. 🤯

- He joins the Red Bull Family...!!!! pic.twitter.com/OkvYfSiaef

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 9, 2025

Rashid has been announced as Red Bull's new athlete for his first partnership with global Red Bull. The collaboration follows a short hiatus from competitive play and Rashid's outstanding return performance in The Hundred 2025 against London Spirit, where he bowled a phenomenal 3/11, suggesting that he is back in amazing form. Rashid's competitive return comes with the Asia Cup slated for September 9 in the UAE, with the upcoming Tri-series with Pakistan and the UAE as prep, meaning that Rashid is leading Afghanistan into another exciting chapter. This tremendous partnership not only celebrates Rashid's previous achievements but also allows the world again to recognise the growth of Afghan cricket and Rashid as an ambassador and a champion.

All in all, cricket lovers are sitting on treats for tons of T20 action as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE will vie in a tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah from 29 August to 7 September 2025. The series is a crucial precursor to the Asia Cup T20 2025 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Why This Series Matters

This tri-series would be perfect for teams to test their combinations, adapt to conditions in the UAE, and build some momentum with the Asia Cup barely days away and ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board first scheduled a bilateral series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but plans evolved into a tri-series with the UAE joining as hosts so that all three teams get meaningful exposure before the two big tournaments.

Full Schedule – T20I Tri-Series 2025

• All matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Context & Build-Up

• Pakistan is currently involved in a T20I series against the West Indies and will be eager to bounce back after a recent 2-1 series defeat to Bangladesh.
  
• Afghanistan return to T20I cricket for the first time since December 2024, when they edged past Zimbabwe in a tight 2-1 series.
  
• UAE, meanwhile, comes into the tournament high on confidence after upsetting Bangladesh in a historic home series win in May.
  

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T20I Head-to-Head – Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Sharjah

The opening game between Pakistan and Afghanistan promises fireworks, as the two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years.

Eyes on the Asia Cup

The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will begin on 9 September, just two days after the tri-series final, making this series crucial for selection decisions and tactical preparation.

Asia Cup 2025 – Group Stage Draw

Key matches:

• 9 Sept: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Opening game)
  
• 12 Sept: Pakistan vs Oman
  
• 14 Sept: Pakistan vs India – Blockbuster clash
  

With three hungry teams, a balanced format, and familiar conditions, the tri-series in Sharjah is more than just a warm-up, it’s a dress rehearsal for continental and global glory. Expect high-octane cricket, emerging stars, and critical answers for selectors as the road to the T20 World Cup heats up.

With the 2025 Asia Cup hanging in limbo due to mounting political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated talks to organize a tri-nation T20I series in August involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If the Asia Cup is cancelled or moved from India, the PCB is taking this proactive measure to guarantee competitive cricket for the national team.

The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in September in the T20 format, was initially awarded to India as the host nation. However, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir and the subsequent diplomatic fallout between the two nations, the tournament’s fate has grown increasingly uncertain. Pakistan, adhering to the hybrid model it had accepted earlier this year, had made it clear that it would not travel to India, just as India had refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB is reportedly looking into other options in the midst of this uncertainty; according to sources, a tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is being considered. Afghanistan's initially planned bilateral tour of Pakistan is expected to be replaced by a series in August, which will take place in Dubai. “The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai,” a source within the PCB told PTI.

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Tri-Series in UAE Gains Traction as Asia Cup 2025 Remains in Doubt

Furthermore, discussions have already been initiated between the cricket boards of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, with the UAE emerging as the most feasible venue due to favorable weather and logistical conditions. Hosting the series in the Gulf nation would also serve as a dress rehearsal should the Asia Cup be relocated there.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to convene a council meeting soon to determine the Asia Cup’s future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has yet to confirm whether it will host the tournament on home soil or agree to the alternate venue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are also underway between the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize a three-match T20I series in July, potentially giving Pakistan back-to-back international assignments ahead of the West Indies tour. If confirmed, the tri-nation tournament could play a vital role in Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while also offering valuable exposure to the participating teams in high-pressure conditions.

Ireland A, Afghanistan A, and Sri Lanka A will take part in a Tri-Nation Series in the UAE, with all matches set to be played in Abu Dhabi. The tournament will feature seven one-day games, ending with a final on April 25. After that, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A will also play a four-day unofficial match starting on April 29.

All eight matches will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium and are being organised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Before the Tri-Series kicks off, Afghanistan A and Ireland A (also called the Ireland Wolves) will play a First Class match from April 7 to 10 at the Tolerance Oval. The Ireland Wolves are coming in with a young squad full of talent. Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey will lead the side. Ross Adair and Liam McCarthy are back from injuries and ready to play. The team will rely heavily on spin, with Hoey, Cian Robertson, and Scott Macbeth expected to play key roles.

Afghanistan A will be led by batter Darwish Rasooli, with Abdul Malik as his deputy. The squad also includes experienced players like Sediqullah Atal and Zia-ur-Rehman, and they are seen as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

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UAE Tri-Nation Series 2025 – Full Schedule

UAE Tri-Nation Series 2025 – Full Squads

Ireland A: Gavin Hoey (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Cade Carmichael, Chris Defreitas, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Foster, Fionn Hand, Scott Macbeth, Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy, Jordan Neill, Cian Robertson, Morgan Topping, Sam Topping

Afghanistan A: Darwish Rasooli (c), Sediqullah Atal (vc), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Abdul Malik, Zubaid Akbari, Ijaz Mehri, Bilal Ahmad Tarin, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Naveed Zadran, Khalil Ahmad, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Bilal Sami

Sri Lanka A: Sadeera Samarawickrama (c), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Dushan Hemantha, Tharindu Rathnayake, Wanuja Sahan, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz and Milan Rathnayake