Pakistan have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa at home. The same T20I squad will also play in the tri-nation series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan Announce Squads for South Africa Series and Tri-Nation T20I Series

Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the ODI side, while Salman Ali Agha takes charge of the T20I team. Babar Azam returns to the T20I setup after a break, and Naseem Shah also makes his comeback.

🚨 BABAR AZAM MAKES A COMEBACK 🚨

- Babar Azam has been named in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the South Africa series and Tri-Series. ✅ pic.twitter.com/xxiy5YhFpf

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 23, 2025

New faces Abdul Samad and Usman Tariq have been included, while Mohammad Haris, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Sufiyan Muqeem have missed out. In the ODI squad, Haseebullah Khan earns a spot after strong performances in domestic cricket.

Pakistan ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

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Pakistan T20I Squad (for South Africa and Tri-Nation Series):
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

International cricket in Pakistan is experiencing a resurgence, but Karachi, one of the country’s most historic cricketing centers, has been left out of the upcoming home fixtures. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently confirmed that the South Africa tour of Pakistan and the T20I tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka will be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, with no matches scheduled for Karachi.

This decision has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike, as Karachi has long been associated with Pakistan's cricketing history. The National Stadium has witnessed several of the country's earliest games. In recent times, however, Karachi has seen a surplus of international cricket. There are multiple reasons for the PCB's decision. 

First, safety. Pakistan has done well to revive international cricket after what was basically a 10-year hiatus, but it is still a bitter subject for the people of Karachi to dive into the idea of any past terrorist incidents that have tarnished their history. Security is often at the forefront of any board or player's mind, so it is possible that the PCB leaned toward other venues that were thought to be better to host visiting crews.

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Karachi misses out as PCB shifts matches to other cities

Another data point could be that Karachi, while it has hosted PSL matches, both presentation views and fan attendance have raised concerns over the stadium, and surprisingly, in the attendance of fans. For example, Lahore and Rawalpindi have nearly always been more populated. Presently, Rawalpindi boasts a better-looking stadium. In comparison with both venues, upon any venue selection, it makes total sense for international scheduling.

Moreover, the PCB is seemingly considering a grander plan to expand cricket across Pakistan. The PCBs need to allocate fixtures in different cities is valuable because fans are able to see those players live in many regions of the country, which strengthens not only the game but the cricketing culture of many regions. Faisalabad is important because it shows that PCB is looking to put smaller cities back on the international cricket map.

That said, Karachi has not been forgotten. Earlier in the calendar year, Karachi successfully hosted matches in the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025. However, the absence of Karachi to host matches in two larger series later in the calendar year shows that the cricketing calendar is changing, and two larger series occurred away from Karachi.

For Karachi's passionate cricket community, the hope remains for Karachi to once again return as a regular host of international fixtures and have the world’s best teams return to play matches at the historic ground.

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.

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.

New Zealand put up a strong total of 180 runs in the final of the T20I Tri-series in Harare, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra playing key innings. Even though South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi bowled very well and bowled tightly, the Kiwis still found a way to score big.

Conway and Rachin Lead the Way as New Zealand Score 180 Despite Ngidi’s Tight Bowling

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got a great start. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway looked in good touch and added 75 runs for the first wicket. Seifert scored 30 before getting out, but Conway continued to bat nicely and made 47 runs before he was dismissed.

MATT HENRY, THE HERO OF NEW ZEALAND IN TRI-SERIES FINAL..!!!

- He defended 7 runs in the final over. 0,W,2,1,W,0 against South African finishers. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/neMHm3EfFu

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 26, 2025

Rachin Ravindra joined Conway and played a stylish knock. He also scored 47, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. Even though South Africa tried to pull things back with Ngidi’s smart bowling, New Zealand’s lower order added useful runs towards the end.

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Thanks to Conway and Rachin’s solid efforts, along with a few handy hits down the order, New Zealand finished their 20 overs with 180 on the board. Ngidi was the best bowler for South Africa, giving away very few runs and keeping the batters under pressure.

Final arrangements are being made for a tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an official announcement expected as soon as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka concludes. The series will be marketed as a preparatory event for the next edition of the Asia Cup in 2025, so the teams have the chance to prepare for when they return to the Gulf region.

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to tour Pakistan in August for a bilateral T20I series, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed to transition it into a tri-nation T20I series in the UAE. This proposal seemed to be well received by the respective boards, particularly noting the advantages of playing in the UAE in preparation for a major continental event, given the geographical and climatic surroundings.

Sources have suggested that the final arrangements for this series are at the end stages and are being worked on at the ACC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) currently in Bangladesh, and assuming the sessions are completed, they will formally announce the full schedule and locations.

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ACC Meeting With Full Support: UAE Tri-Series Probably in August

The ACC AGM demonstrated strong participation with 24 of 25 member nations confirming they would be present, well above the required 13 member nations in order for the Nomination to be taken as a vote. This will be seen as a diplomatic victory for the ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, particularly after the major boards like the BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, and Oman Cricket indicated they were hesitant about the venue choice. India, although they weren't comfortable, agreed, and virtual representation through BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla shows a willingness for the discussion in a much more conciliatory manner.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Sayed Naseem Sadat earlier confirmed that the team is set to play a T20 and ODI series this year against Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the UAE. He noted that the team had initially planned to play three T20Is against Pakistan in August fixtures that could now become part of the UAE-hosted tri-series. The tournament, if confirmed, is expected to generate solid fan interest and provide valuable match practice ahead of a crucial Asia Cup campaign.

As South Africa, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand are locking horns in a thrilling tri-series, the inaugural clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe set the big stage on fire. Despite a shaky start, South Africa’s brilliant fightback secured a thrilling victory. 

Coming back in the shortest format, Dewald Brevis’s electrifying innings added sparks and turned the tide in their favor. In front of his masterclass, the Zimbabwe bowlers fell short and the match slipped away from their hands. 

South Africa kicked off the series with an impressive 5-wicket win. Fans around the world were treated to a thrilling T20 spectacle.

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Brevis’s Might Return in T20Is:

The recent clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe turned up the heat on high as Dewald Brevis’ fireworks added sparkle in the match. Coming to bat at the tricky position, Brevis’s explosive knock turned the script.

After restricting the Zimbabwe side to just 141 runs, South Africa faced some early troubles. Being 38/3, Brevis joined Rubin Hermann and a crucial 78-run partnership. Starting the innings slowly, Brevis counterattacked the opponent and played a fiery innings. 

In just 16 deliveries, he scored 41 runs with one boundary and five jaw-dropping sixes and batted with a strike rate of 241.18. During the eighth over, the 22-year-old prodigy launched a stunning six off Chevron captain Sikandar Raza. Then, in the 11th over, he dominated Ryan Burl by hitting three back-to-back sixes, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.

South Africa’s Thrilling Win:

While bowling first, Lungi struck early as Madhevere walked away, scoring just 1 run. After the early slump, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl stitched a crucial partnership, but Nandre Burger sent Burl back in 29 runs and earned momentum. George Linde made a crucial impact with an impressive figure of 3/10 and restricted the opponent to just 141 runs. 

While chasing the total, Preorious walked away early, and the visitors crumbled under pressure with a 38/3. In the fourth wicket. Brevis and Hermann’s game-changing 72-run partnership turned the tide in the Proteas’ favor. After their exit, Corbin Bosch held his nerve, staying unbeaten on 23 to seal a thrilling 5-wicket win for the Proteas.

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, marking the start of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. One notable absence is former captain Kane Williamson, who has made himself unavailable due to commitments with Middlesex in the County Championship and the London Spirit in The Hundred. This decision opens the door for younger players to step up in his absence.

The tri-series will serve as the first major international assignment for Rob Walter, New Zealand's newly appointed head coach. Walter stressed the significance of the tour, especially with the World Cup approaching. “I think we’ve got a really strong squad for this tour, and I’m looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, all of our upcoming series are critically important to our buildup. This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players, and potentially different combinations against some quality opposition,” Walter said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A few regulars are missing from the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested, Ben Sears is out with a side strain, and Kyle Jamieson is unavailable due to personal reasons as he awaits the birth of his child. Devon Conway and Mitch Hay are also not part of the squad. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Tim Seifert. The team will be led by Mitchell Santner, while Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra make their return after missing the March series against Pakistan due to IPL 2025 commitments. Pacer Adam Milne also returns for the first time since November.

Walter banks on experience and new faces

Matt Henry, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is back in the squad and will be eager to make an impact. Another exciting inclusion is 23-year-old uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who retains his place after touring with the side in Sri Lanka and is expected to make his debut during the series. “Adam’s a really skilled T20 bowler; he’s particularly proficient with the ball up front and brings that extra pace and bounce. With the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson out, it’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head in Adam,” Walter added.

Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025

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This squad gives New Zealand an ideal chance to try new combinations and strengthen their bench strength ahead of the global tournament. With a good blend of experience and young talent, the BlackCaps will aim to fine-tune their plans under their new coach and captain.

New Zealand T20I squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa T20 Tri-Series 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.

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.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu was given a formal warning after violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the recent Sri Lanka tri-series. The offense was committed in a high-scoring group stage game against South Africa in Colombo, in which the Proteas emerged victorious. Athapaththu was penalized 10 percent of her match fee and issued one demerit point for her conduct, which was her first offense within a span of 24 months. The infringement was in terms of an emotional outburst that resulted in the damage of her equipment, underscoring the ICC's no-nonsense approach to keeping its players in line during international competitions.

The incident directly contravened Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match." The incident occurred in the 32nd over of South Africa's innings when Athapaththu, having conceded a four to Annerie Dercksen, took off her sunglasses and crushed them on the ground, shattering them into pieces. The offense was charged by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal, and fourth umpire Nimali Perera, who together reported the infringement.

Athapaththu pleaded the offense and accepted Michelle Pereira of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees' suggested sanctions, precluding the requirement for a hearing. Level 1 offenses, as defined by the ICC, have punishments that range from a formal reprimand to a maximum of 50 percent of a player's match fee, with one or two demerit points. This event is a reminder of staying calm under fire, especially for a captain commanding her side on home ground.

Tri-Series Outcome and Context

The tri-series, which was held in Sri Lanka, ended with India being the champions after beating the hosts by 97 runs in the last match. There were competitive games in the tournament, and the win of South Africa against Sri Lanka in the group stages proved the level of competition. Athapaththu's disciplinary failure, although significant, could not eclipse her performance as a player and a leader throughout the series.

Sri Lanka skipper finds herself in trouble following her actions in the tri-series at home 👀

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/c76hBKyKEz

— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2025

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India's triumph was marked by standout individual performances, such as Smriti Mandhana's century in the final, putting her in an elite list alongside Mithali Raj in Indian cricket history. For Sri Lanka, the tournament served as useful experience, while Athapaththu's incident highlighted the importance of avoiding professional lapses, particularly in high-pressure matches under the eyes of global regulations.