Pakistan to host England, Sri Lanka in seven-match ODI tri-series from October 18

Pakistan to host England, Sri Lanka in seven-match ODI tri-series from October 18

LAHORE: Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup enter a serious phase this month as England and Sri Lanka arrive for a seven-match ODI tri-series from October 18 to 31. The ODI tri-series Pakistan is hosting will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, giving Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side a valuable chance to test combinations against two strong opponents before the World Cup.

The tournament opens on October 18 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan face Sri Lanka. Pakistan then take on England at the same venue two days later, before Sri Lanka and England meet on October 22 to complete the Rawalpindi leg.

Full schedule: Rawalpindi first, then Lahore

The action moves to Lahore after the first three games. Pakistan meet England again on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27, before England and Sri Lanka complete the league stage on October 29. The final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.

Squads and the ODI tri-series Pakistan build-up

Shaheen Shah Afridi remains Pakistan’s ODI captain, leading a 16-member squad that mixes established names with players fighting for regular places. Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha headline the squad, alongside Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Razaullah, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Baig and Sufiyan Moqim.

Mohammad Rizwan has been left out of the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan will captain Pakistan in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which begins on October 9 in Rawalpindi, a separate assignment running just before the tri-series.

England arrive with Harry Brook leading the side and Sam Curran providing an important all-round option for the visitors. Sri Lanka will lean on Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, whose presence gives Pakistan another stern test of its bowling plans.

The tri-series sits inside a packed home calendar. Pakistan first play three T20Is against Sri Lanka from October 9 to 13. After the ODI tournament, Sri Lanka stay on for a three-day warm-up in Islamabad from November 4 to 6, followed by two World Test Championship Tests.

Why the series matters for Pakistan

The repeated matchups are particularly useful for a side still settling its best eleven. A player who struggles in one game gets another opportunity quickly, and coaches can rotate combinations to see how different line-ups perform against England and Sri Lanka.

With the 2027 World Cup firmly in the background, Pakistan’s management needs clearer answers about its batting order, middle-order options and bowling combinations. Fast-bowler workloads will also need careful management across the seven matches, while fringe players have a chance to build their case on home soil.

The format rewards consistency rather than one good day, which is exactly the examination Pakistan need fourteen months out from a World Cup. For more on the squad debate, read Sadiq Mohammad’s criticism of the T20 shake-up.

FAQs

When does the ODI tri-series start?

The tri-series begins on October 18, 2026, with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It ends with the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 31.

Who is captaining Pakistan in the tri-series?

Shaheen Shah Afridi captains Pakistan’s ODI side. Sahibzada Farhan leads the separate T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting October 9.

Where will the matches be played?

The first three matches are in Rawalpindi, and the remaining four, including the final, are in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium.

Is Mohammad Rizwan in the squad?

No. Mohammad Rizwan has been left out of Pakistan’s 16-member ODI squad for the tri-series.