Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday visited the Gaddafi Stadium to meet the national cricketers during their training session for the remaining matches of the home ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. The visit came as the Pakistan tri-series Lahore leg gets under way, with four matches including the final scheduled in the city through October 31.
In a video released by the PCB on its official social media handles, Naqvi met the Pakistan players, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and senior batter Babar Azam. The chairman observed the batting and bowling practice of players taking part in the training session, and also met head coach Mike Hesson and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
Standings at the halfway mark
The ongoing Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series is set to enter its second leg in Lahore, during which four matches, including the final on October 31, will be played. At the halfway mark, hosts Pakistan sit at the summit of the standings with four points from two matches, followed by Sri Lanka in second with two points. England, the 2019 world champions, are at the bottom after losing both their opening fixtures, carrying a negative net run rate of 0.892.
The upcoming match, scheduled for Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium between Pakistan and England, carries enormous weight for both sides. A victory would propel the home side into the final, while an England defeat would leave the Three Lions on the verge of elimination.
Pakistan’s squad for the series was announced earlier this month, while England named a 16-member squad with Jofra Archer rested. Our series preview laid out the full seven-match schedule.
Pakistan tri-series Lahore leg: remaining schedule
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 25 | Pakistan v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 27 | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 29 | Sri Lanka v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 31 | Tri-series final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Bowling unit finding its rhythm
The training session Naqvi observed featured a pace attack that is beginning to click. Haris Rauf has explained his wicket-taking role alongside Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, and the senior quick has also opened the door to a Test return after his domestic form.
For England, the Lahore leg is close to last-chance territory. Two defeats have left them needing wins in both remaining group games, and their negative net run rate means even that may not be enough if Sri Lanka keep winning.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Mohsin Naqvi visit Gaddafi Stadium?
The PCB chairman met Pakistan’s players and coaches during their training session on October 23, 2026, observing batting and bowling practice ahead of the Lahore leg of the ODI tri-series.
What are the tri-series standings?
Pakistan lead with four points from two matches, Sri Lanka are second with two points, and England are bottom with no points and a net run rate of -0.892.
When is the next match?
Pakistan face England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, October 25. A Pakistan win would seal their place in the final.
When is the tri-series final?
The final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 31, 2026.
