ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to replace One Day Internationals (ODIs) with Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in their upcoming series in May and July to prepare for the T20I World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
Sami Ul Hasan, the Director of Media and Communications for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), announced this exciting change on Sunday. This decision is a tactical move to enhance both teams’ preparations for the prestigious global tournament, set to unfold in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
Initially, Bangladesh was set to embark on a tour of Pakistan in May, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the series has now evolved into a thrilling five-match T20I showdown.
Likewise, Pakistan’s planned visit to Bangladesh in July, which was originally slated for three ODIs outside the FTP framework, will now transform into a gripping three-match T20I series.
Before the T20 World Cup, both teams will also compete in the Asia Cup in India this September, which will be played in the T20 format.
Currently, Pakistan is engaged in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, where the hosts lead 3-1 with one match still to play. Following this, the two sides will clash in a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.
Later, players will shift their focus to the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), set to run from April 11 to May 18.
