Key points
- ODI series rescheduled
- PCB adjusts match dates
- Zimbabwe squad rests before resuming training
ISLAMABAD: Zimbabwe’s national cricket team has arrived in Pakistan to participate in the upcoming T20I tri-nation series, which will feature the hosts and Sri Lanka, set to take place from November 18 to 29 in Rawalpindi.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe squad will rest today before resuming their training on Friday.
Initially, the tri-series was scheduled to begin on November 17, but the dates were adjusted due to uncertainty surrounding Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of Pakistan. The revision came after concerns were raised by several Sri Lankan players, who asked to return home, citing security concerns following a recent bomb blast in Islamabad.
In response, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reassured its players that all necessary safety protocols were being coordinated with the PCB and local authorities. The board instructed the players and staff to proceed with the tour as originally planned.
“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 SLC said in an official statement.
Updated schedule
“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 the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” the statement added.
The board further clarified that any player who decides to return home despite the reassurances would be replaced immediately to ensure the tour continues 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 moved from Thursday to Friday. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the updated schedule on Wednesday, expressing his appreciation to the Sri Lankan team for continuing their tour.
Naqvi confirmed that the remaining ODIs of the series will now be held on November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi, with both postponed by one day.
