slug: “shaheen-tri-series-world-cup-preparations”
category: “Cricket News”
headline: “Pakistan Firmly Focused on Tri-Series With an Eye on World Cup, Says Shaheen”
seo_title: “Shaheen Tri-Series Crucial for World Cup Preparations”
meta_description: “Shaheen Shah Afridi says Pakistan will use the home ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England as key preparation for the 2027 World Cup.”
focus_keyphrase: “Shaheen tri-series”
image_url: “hourly-1132-shaheen-tri-series-world-cup-preparations.webp”
image_credit: “Image: Dawn (Tanveer Shahzad/White Star)”
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Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on Saturday said Pakistan were focusing firmly on One-day International cricket, emphasising that the home tri-nation series starting today was crucial in building a strong squad for next year’s ICC World Cup. Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Shaheen tri-series campaign at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, with England the third team in the event that continues until October 31 with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Speaking at a pre-series media conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Shaheen said the team would not be discussing the recently concluded T20 series against Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won 2-1, and would concentrate on the 50-over format.
“We have tried to build this team over the last four ODI series. Our focus is the World Cup and how best we can prepare for it [through this tri-series and after that],” Shaheen told reporters.
Shaheen tri-series takeaways: pitches and all-round plans
The left-arm pacer added that efforts were being made to prepare pitches in a similar way and to help the bowlers, so that Pakistan have the batting and bowling strength to take wickets and chase totals when they play in South Africa and England.
Shaheen praised Salman Ali Agha, describing him as a strong character in One-day International cricket.
“Salman is a strong character and leading ODI player. Everyone knows his performance. He recently went to first-class cricket and scored a triple hundred and a hundred,” the skipper highlighted.
On his own role, Shaheen said he tried to deliver for the team in all three departments and would continue to do that.
Babar the backbone, team unity strong
Responding to a question regarding Babar Azam, Shaheen said there was no pressure on the senior batter, calling him the backbone of the team who had always scored runs for Pakistan. Babar has stayed in the headlines this season, including an on-field incident with a fan’s phone.
On the team’s approach, Shaheen said Pakistan would focus on basics and winning matches rather than trying to be overly aggressive.
“We have a plan but some [part of] that planning cannot be shared openly. Our effort is to win every match, [for which] we will play basic cricket,” he stated.
Shaheen stressed that the team was united and that every player shared the same goal of winning the World Cup.
“Our team unity is very good. We all have one focus, how to win the World Cup. There is love in this team and we play together.”
Mendis backs Sri Lanka’s spin attack
In his media conference, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said the tri-series was very important for all three teams keeping in view the World Cup, insisting his squad was ready for the tournament.
He noted that a few players have changed from the T20I squad to the ODI squad, with some seniors returning. “A couple of players are changing in the T20 squad and one-day squad, then the senior players are coming for the ODIs. I’m very happy with my squad,” Mendis said.
The Sri Lankan captain expressed confidence in his spin attack, comprising Maheesh Theekshana and newcomers Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage, and said his squad was balanced and ready.
The tri-series opener is set to be a stern test for both sides, with Pakistan aiming to carry their 50-over momentum into a home campaign that the captain believes can shape their World Cup destiny. Off the field, the PCB’s commentary panel announcement has already sparked debate after Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain were left out. Pakistan’s recent Asian Games cricket campaign showed the squad’s depth, and a home ODI series against Ireland awaits in January (details here).
Source: Dawn
What did Shaheen say about the tri-series?
Shaheen said Pakistan are firmly focused on ODI cricket and will use the home tri-series against Sri Lanka and England as key preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
Who are the key players for Pakistan?
Shaheen praised Salman Ali Agha as a leading ODI player and called Babar Azam the backbone of the team, while backing the squad’s ability to chase 350-400 run targets.
What did Sri Lanka’s captain say?
Kusal Mendis called the tri-series very important for all three teams ahead of the World Cup and expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s balanced squad and spin attack.
