Pakistan ODI tri-series training began in earnest on Thursday as the national squad held its first practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the home series against Sri Lanka and England.
The tri-series runs from October 18 to 31, with the hosts opening their campaign against Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday.
Pakistan ODI tri-series training: the first session
The session drew attention for the presence of newly appointed bowling coach Shaun Tait, who was seen working extensively with Pakistan’s fast bowlers. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and emerging speedster Razaullah spent extended time with the former Australian quick, fine-tuning their rhythm ahead of the opening match.
Alongside the bowling drills, the national cricketers took part in batting and fielding practice under the supervision of the coaching staff. Babar Azam was pictured batting in the nets during the session.
Sri Lanka also trained at the same venue on Thursday, while the England squad is due to arrive in the country on Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed earlier in the day.
Full tri-series schedule
The series opens with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18. The second fixture, between the hosts and England, follows on October 20 at the same venue.
England and Sri Lanka meet in Rawalpindi on October 22 before the action shifts to Lahore. Pakistan face England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25 and Sri Lanka at the same venue on October 27, with Sri Lanka and England contesting the final league match on October 29.
The top two teams qualify for the final, which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
Pakistan’s 16-member squad
The home squad for the series is: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
Build-up so far: arrivals, tickets and an injury blow
The series build-up has already produced several talking points. Seven Pakistan players joined the squad earlier this week as preparations ramped up, and England arrive in Islamabad on Friday ahead of their first match.
For fans, ticket sales for the Lahore leg opened earlier, with the Gaddafi Stadium set to host four matches including the final.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, suffered a setback before a ball was bowled: Pathum Nissanka was ruled out of the tri-series through injury, with Udara called up as his replacement.
The tri-series also follows a busy stretch for Pakistan’s white-ball sides, including the Asian Games campaign where Pakistan’s cricketers featured prominently.
What to watch in the series
With three competitive sides and a final at stake, the tri-series offers Pakistan a valuable home assignment. The new-ball partnership of Shaheen and Naseem Shah, guided by Tait, will be under scrutiny, while the middle order has a chance to settle combinations ahead of a crowded international calendar.
Sunday’s opener against Sri Lanka sets the tone. A strong start in Rawalpindi would give the hosts early control of the points table and build momentum for the Lahore leg.
FAQ
When does the Pakistan ODI tri-series start?
The tri-series begins on Sunday, October 18, with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Which teams are playing in the ODI tri-series?
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England are the three participating teams.
Where will the tri-series final be played?
The final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31. The top two teams from the league stage qualify.
Who is Pakistan’s bowling coach for the tri-series?
Shaun Tait, the former Australian fast bowler, is Pakistan’s newly appointed bowling coach and was seen working with the pacers in the first training session.
