Seven Pakistan Players Check Into Team Hotel Ahead of ODI Tri-Series
ISLAMABAD: Seven members of Pakistan’s ODI squad have checked into the team hotel in the federal capital as preparations begin for the seven-match ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and England.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the first group of arrivals, joined by Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Saad Baig and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. The remaining squad members are expected to link up with the team before training starts.
The Pakistan ODI tri-series squad will hold its first training session on Thursday. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to train at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 4pm, three days before the tournament opener.
The series at a glance
The tri-series runs from 18 to 31 October across Rawalpindi and Lahore. Pakistan open their campaign against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 18 October, then face England at the same venue on 20 October. Sri Lanka take on England on 22 October before the teams move to Lahore.
At Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan meet England on 25 October and Sri Lanka on 27 October, with Sri Lanka and England contesting the final group match on 29 October. The top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium on 31 October.
Related: England name ODI squad for tri-series in Pakistan; Archer rested
Pakistan ODI tri-series squad blends experience and form
The 16-member squad blends experience with recent form. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman headline the batting, while Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf lead the pace attack. Razaullah, who impressed on his international debut, keeps his place, and spinners Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim offer variety.
Wicketkeeping duties are shared between Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig. Ghori, among the seven to arrive on Thursday, has retained the selectors’ confidence after recent assignments.
Pakistan ODI squad: 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, Sufiyan Moqim.
Related: Kusal Mendis’s 87 powers Sri Lanka to 8-wicket win over Pakistan in 3rd T20I
Momentum from the T20I series
Pakistan come into the tri-series on the back of a 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka. Led by Sahibzada Farhan, the Men in Green won the first two matches in Rawalpindi before Sri Lanka claimed a consolation win in the final game. Several players from that T20I side, including Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub and Razaullah, carry their form into the ODI setup.
Sri Lanka, who have been in Pakistan since the T20I series, will be joined by England on Friday. All three teams will use the tournament as early preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
Related: Lahore-leg tickets for ODI tri-series to go on sale online today
Frequently asked questions
Which Pakistan players have joined the team hotel?
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Saad Baig and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori checked into the Islamabad team hotel on Thursday.
When does the ODI tri-series start?
The series begins on 18 October with Pakistan against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and ends with the final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 31 October.
Who is captaining Pakistan in the tri-series?
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan’s 16-member ODI squad, while Sahibzada Farhan captained the T20I side.
Where will the tri-series matches be played?
The first three matches will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the remaining four, including the final, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
