Fakhar Zaman Confident Pakistan Can Build Strong Combination for 2027 World Cup
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman said the home ODI tri-series starting this weekend will help the side build a strong playing combination for the Fakhar Zaman 2027 World Cup campaign. He spoke to reporters at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday as Pakistan began their first training session at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the 50-over series featuring England and Sri Lanka.
The tri-nation series runs from October 18 to October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. Pakistan open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday, with England completing the three-team field after England arrived in Pakistan earlier this week for the series.
Fakhar Zaman 2027 World Cup build-up: tri-series plan
Fakhar pointed to team combination and pitch preparation as signs that planning was already under way. “The team combination is very good… Everyone has the World Cup in mind, and our combination is excellent,” he said.
He said players had arrived in rhythm after the domestic first-class season, which he felt would ease the shift to 50-over cricket. Coming from longer-format matches, he argued, makes one-day games feel shorter, while players coming from T20 cricket often find the longer game harder to settle into.
Pakistan return to one-day cricket after a long gap, and Fakhar confirmed the management had drawn up plans for the series, though some details would stay private. The team has also held talks on its approach to England, against whom Pakistan recently lost a Test series 3-0. Fakhar noted that red-ball and white-ball cricket were different games and that squad changes would alter the contest.
Pakistan’s ODI record before the tri-series
Pakistan’s recent one-day results give the build-up a solid base. The side swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November 2025, beat South Africa 2-1 and then beat Australia by the same margin at home in May and June this year. The one setback came in Bangladesh in March, where Pakistan lost 2-1.
The 2027 World Cup will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Early interest has been strong, with World Cup 2027 ticket applications crossing 15 million within 12 days.
The squad taking shape
The tri-series squad mixes experience with youth. Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi anchor the senior group, while Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and wicketkeeper Saad Baig are pushing for places. The seven Pakistan players who checked into the team hotel ahead of the series signalled the camp was in full swing before the first ball.
England, meanwhile, have recalled leg-spinner Mason Crane, who is delighted after his England recall for the tour.
Fakhar’s own standing in the squad is secure. He remains Pakistan’s only double centurion in men’s one-day internationals, and his tally of 11 centuries in 92 ODIs underlines his value at the top of the order. He is also the first Pakistani to hit 100 sixes in T20 internationals.
Trophy drought and fan expectations
Fakhar admitted the players had spoken among themselves about Pakistan’s wait for a major ICC title, which has stretched on despite recent finals appearances. “We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan,” he said.
He closed by promising an honest effort in the tri-series. “We will try to perform well in the tri-series, and it will also help us build our combination… hopefully, fans will get to see good-quality cricket,” he said.
Frequently asked questions
When does Pakistan’s ODI tri-series begin?
Pakistan open against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18, 2026. England are the third team, and the series runs until October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Where will the 2027 ICC World Cup be played?
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will stage the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Who is in Pakistan’s tri-series squad?
The squad includes senior players Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi alongside younger options Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and wicketkeeper Saad Baig.
What did Fakhar Zaman say about Pakistan’s trophy drought?
He said the players had discussed the long wait for a major ICC title and were determined to try their best to bring the trophy home.
