Zimbabwe team arrives in Pakistan as Sri Lanka decides to stay

ISLAMABAD: The Zimbabwe cricket team has landed in Islamabad ahead of the upcoming tri-nation T20 series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the visiting side will rest today before beginning preparations for the tournament, which is set to commence on November 18 in Rawalpindi.

Originally, some matches were planned to take place in Lahore, but the PCB confirmed that all fixtures will now be held exclusively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The decision, the board said, was taken in consultation with the participating cricket boards due to operational reasons.

The opening match of the series will see Pakistan face Zimbabwe on November 18, with all games scheduled to start at 6 PM. Each team will play four matches, culminating in the final on November 29, also at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The arrival of Zimbabwe marks the completion of team preparations for the much-anticipated tournament, which is expected to serve as a key build-up for upcoming international commitments for all three sides.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) has confirmed that the national team will continue its ongoing tour of Pakistan as scheduled.

In a statement, the SLC said the bilateral series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will go ahead as planned, following assurances of full security provided by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The board said that if any player insists on returning home despite the directive to continue, replacement players will be sent to Pakistan to ensure the series proceeds without disruption.

Arrangements have been made to dispatch substitute players to Pakistan if needed, the SLC added.

In a tweet, Naqvi said, “Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright. The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi.”