In Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday its plans to host a one-day international tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand, marking the country’s first tournament with three nations in 20 years.
The decision to proceed with the series was made during an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai, as confirmed by the PCB.
After the attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009, international cricket had been largely absent from Pakistan until its full return in 2020.
Following those incidents, Pakistan lost its right to co-host the World Cup, with security concerns prevailing.
The last tri-series hosted by Pakistan was in 2004, featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Mohsin Naqvi, the newly elected PCB chairman, expressed excitement about the upcoming tri-series, highlighting its significance as a precursor to the eight-nation Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan – the first ICC event in the country since the 1996 World Cup.
Naqvi stated, “The tri-series between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand will be an exciting event, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket after a prolonged hiatus. Additionally, hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a momentous occasion for Pakistan to welcome the top eight ODI teams to its soil.”
