ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly declined Bangladesh’s proposal to host a T20I tri-nation series in December, according to sources quoted by Geo News on Wednesday.
The proposed event was expected to feature Sri Lanka as the third participating team. However, the PCB decided to turn down the offer, citing concerns over player workload during a packed cricketing schedule.
According to reports, several leading Pakistani players — including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam — are already committed to playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) during December, leaving limited availability for the series.
The 15th edition of the BBL will run from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches, mostly scheduled in prime-time evening slots.
The opening match of the tournament will see a high-profile clash between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium, marking Babar Azam’s debut for the Sixers.
Other Pakistani players taking part in the BBL include:
Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades)
Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)
Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder)
Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers)
Hassan Khan (Melbourne Renegades)
Meanwhile, Pakistan is already preparing to host a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29.
The series will begin in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe on November 17, followed by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe on November 19. The tournament will then shift to Lahore, where the remaining matches — including the final on November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium — will take place.
T20I Tri-Series Schedule (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)
Nov 17: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Nov 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Nov 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Nov 29: Final — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
