Sri Lanka Confirms Participation in Pakistan-Hosted ODI Tri-Series with England

A New Strategy for the 2027 World Cup

In a significant development for international cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket has formally confirmed its participation in an upcoming ODI tri-series hosted by Pakistan. This series, which will also feature England, is being meticulously organized as a vital preparatory phase for the highly anticipated ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The World Cup, which is set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027, is already shaping the planning of cricket boards worldwide.

This news comes on the heels of a successful home tri-series for Pakistan, who claimed victory against Sri Lanka in the final held in Rawalpindi on November 29, 2025. With the international calendar becoming increasingly congested, boards are looking for efficient ways to ensure high-quality competition that serves both commercial and developmental goals.

The Road to the Tri-Series

According to reports from Geo Super, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already committed to the competition. While an official statement from the respective boards is pending, the move is seen as a pragmatic response to the packed Future Tours Programme. Preliminary discussions are underway regarding the logistics of the event, with sources from The Pioneer suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eyeing Karachi and Lahore as the primary venues for the matches.

The scheduling of this series is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. By securing fixtures against high-quality opposition like England and Sri Lanka, the PCB aims to provide its squad with the necessary exposure to different playing conditions before the global showpiece in 2027.

An Action-Packed Schedule for Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The engagement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is not limited to just the ODI tri-series. Before the 50-over action kicks off, Sri Lanka is set to play three Twenty20 Internationals against the hosts. This shorter format will serve as an ideal testing ground for players looking to cement their positions in their respective white-ball squads. Furthermore, the two nations are scheduled to compete in a two-match Test series in November, which is a crucial part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.

This series also aligns with broader international developments, including the anticipated visit of the Australian cricket team to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series, further emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a major hub for cricket in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Focus on the Bangladesh Test Series

While looking forward to the 2027 World Cup cycle, Pakistan remains deeply focused on its current commitments. The team is currently preparing for a demanding two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series is set to begin with the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to May 12, followed by the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to May 20.

Captain Shan Masood will lead a balanced squad featuring both seasoned veterans and exciting new talent. The squad includes: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The inclusion of uncapped players like Abdullah Fazal and Amad Butt highlights Pakistan’s intent to build depth in their roster. As the team balances the pressures of the World Test Championship with long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, fans can expect an intense and competitive year of cricket ahead.