Key points
- Sri Lanka Cricket reassures players on security
- Opening match delayed to November 18
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a revised schedule on Thursday for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
According to the PCB, the tournament has been delayed by a day from the previously confirmed dates. The opening match will now be played on November 18, instead of the previously scheduled November 17, while the final will be held on November 29.
This adjustment comes amid uncertainty regarding Sri Lanka’s ongoing white-ball tour of Pakistan, following security concerns raised by several Sri Lankan players, who reportedly requested to return home due to fears after a recent bomb blast in Islamabad.
In response to these concerns, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued a statement assuring players that comprehensive security measures were being put in place in coordination with the PCB and local authorities.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the statement said.
ODI series
“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the PCB and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” it continued.
SLC also clarified that any player who decides to return home, despite the reassurances, would be replaced immediately to ensure the tour proceeds as planned, and their actions would be formally reviewed.
Meanwhile, the ongoing ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been rescheduled, with the second ODI shifted from Thursday to Friday.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in announcing the updated schedule on Wednesday, expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for their cooperation and confirmed that the remaining ODIs would now take place on November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi, each delayed by one day.
Revised T20I Tri-Series Schedule (All matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):
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.
