ISLAMABAD: England’s cricket team is expected to arrive in Islamabad on October 15 for the ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The seven-match tournament begins on October 18 and runs through October 31.
The 16-member squad, captained by Harry Brook, will travel from London for the tour. England will open its campaign against Pakistan on October 20 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, two days after the hosts meet Sri Lanka in the series opener. Our earlier Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka tri-series preview had already laid out the broad shape of the event.
England’s squad and the build-up
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the squad earlier this month. It includes several established names such as Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Will Jacks and Jamie Overton, alongside uncapped trio Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe and James Coles. Jofra Archer is rested, as our England squad report detailed.
The tour comes right after Pakistan and Sri Lanka finish their three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi on October 13. Pakistan won the T20I opener by four wickets on October 9, with captain Sahibzada Farhan scoring 89. The T20I series has already set the tone for an intense month of home cricket.
Full tri-series schedule and venues
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three fixtures, after which the action moves to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Every match starts at 2:00 PM local time.
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 20: Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 22: Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 25: Pakistan vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 29: Sri Lanka vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 31: Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Each team plays the other two sides twice in the league stage. The top two teams in the standings will advance to the final in Lahore. Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the tour, led by Kusal Mendis, was announced earlier this month.
Why the series matters
This is Pakistan’s second ODI tri-series in two years. The country previously hosted New Zealand and South Africa in February 2025 ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. The current edition brings together three former world champions as all three sides build toward the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
For England, the tour marks a return to Pakistani soil with a young squad blending experience and fresh faces. For Pakistan, a home series against two strong sides is a chance to test combinations before the packed international calendar.
Tickets and broadcast
The PCB has announced ticket sales for the home season. Online sales for the ODI tri-series opened on October 10, while physical tickets will be available from October 14 at designated courier express centres. The lowest ticket price for ODI matches at both venues is Rs 200. At Gaddafi Stadium, the most expensive option is the Far End Box/Seat at Rs 22,000.
Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast all matches live in the UK and Ireland through a deal with the PCB’s international media rightsholders, Trans Group. England fans in Britain face morning starts, with matches beginning at 10:00 AM BST before the clocks change and 9:00 AM GMT after.
Farhan has asked his side to keep its aggressive approach after the T20I win, which suggests Pakistan will come hard at both visitors in the 50-over format as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka ODI tri-series start?
The tri-series begins on October 18 with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. England play their first match against Pakistan on October 20.
Which venues will host the tri-series matches?
The first three matches will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tournament then moves to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the remaining three league matches and the final on October 31.
Where can fans buy tickets for the tri-series?
Online ticket sales opened on October 10. Physical tickets go on sale from October 14 at designated courier express centres in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The cheapest ODI tickets cost Rs 200.
Sources: Daily Metro Time, Advanced Television, TNT Sports
