Pakistan Set to Host Explosive Tri-Series Before Asia Cup

ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to prepare the team for the 2025 Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully transformed a planned bilateral T20I series against Afghanistan into a tri-nation series involving the United Arab Emirates as well.

PCB had already laid the groundwork for the competition earlier, but an official announcement is expected following the ACC meeting today.

According to reports, the tri-series will be staged in the UAE, the likely hosts of the 2025 Asia Cup, giving the three teams plenty of time to get acclimated to the surfaces. The PCB had originally scheduled a home series against Afghanistan for August, but proposed shifting the games to the Emirates, while adding a third team to increase competitiveness and provide valuable exposure in tournament conditions.

The UAE-hosted tri-series is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to give the T20I side as much game time as possible ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and the World Cup next year. PCB is even willing to sacrifice ODI fixtures in order to play more T20Is.

With all three cricket boards aligned in principle, the formal announcement of dates, venues, and match timings is expected shortly after the ACC meeting. The tri-series will likely take place in mid-to-late August, acting as the final tune-up before the regional showdown in September.

As Pakistan looks to reclaim its status in white-ball cricket, this well-timed tournament could prove to be the perfect springboard.

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