The upcoming tri-nation T20 international series, featuring host nation Pakistan alongside Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, will now be held entirely in Rawalpindi, commencing November 18. This decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board follows a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad.
Originally slated to take place in Lahore, the series is crucial for preparing for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. It will follow Pakistan’s final two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Friday and Sunday.
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“The schedule was revised in agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, considering operational and match needs,” the PCB stated. After the bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives, some Sri Lankan players sought to return home for safety, but their board insisted they remain, warning of repercussions.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad are neighboring cities, only about 20 km (12 miles) apart.
Pakistan has faced challenges in attracting sports teams since a 2009 attack on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. Six players were injured, halting international tours and forcing Pakistan to host “home” games in the UAE.
Security improvements have since been made, and test cricket resumed with Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour.
Afghanistan recently withdrew from the tri-series following the deaths of three local players due to military actions in Paktika province, and Zimbabwe stepped in as their replacement.
The series will conclude with the final on November 29.
