PCB Centralizes T20I Tri-Series Amid Heightened Security Fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved the entire upcoming T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to Rawalpindi and postponed the start date to November 18, following security concerns raised by the visiting teams after the recent suicide bombing in Islamabad.

November 13, 2025: The security situation in Pakistan has prompted a significant revision to the country’s international cricket calendar. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), has announced that all matches in the upcoming T20I tri-nation series will now be played exclusively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The seven-match tournament, which was originally scheduled to host five matches, including the final, in Lahore, will now kick off on November 18, a day later than initially planned. The final remains scheduled for November 29.

Decision Follows Security Concerns

The urgent change in venue and schedule comes in the wake of a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad that tragically killed 12 people. Although Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities, the decision to centralize all cricket operations to a single, tightly secured location was deemed necessary to assure the safety of the visiting teams.

“The decision to revise the schedule was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), following mutual discussions to accommodate operational and match requirements,” the PCB confirmed in a statement.

Sri Lankan Tour Continues

The security concerns were particularly acute within the Sri Lankan camp, where eight players reportedly expressed a desire to return home following the terror attack. The situation was averted only after massive “behind the scenes efforts” and high-level intervention.

SLC President Shammi Silva and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan got involved, reassuring the players that “fool-proof security” arrangements were in place. Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda later confirmed that despite initial fears, no player or official is planning to return home, allowing the bilateral tour, which includes an ongoing ODI series, to continue.

PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi publicly thanked the Sri Lankan team for their “spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity” in their decision to stay and complete the tour. The PCB also announced a slight adjustment to the remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka, which will now be played on Friday, November 14 and Sunday, November 16 in Rawalpindi, instead of the original dates.