Online ReporterBrandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S senior men’s cricket side will head to Pakistan next month for a rare T20 Tri-Series that signals a new phase of renewal and transition for the Chevrons.
The tour, which includes hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka, comes as Zimbabwe continue to rebuild under a packed 2024-25 schedule that has tested their depth and resolve.
The Chevrons, currently preparing for a one-off Test against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club, confirmed their participation on Saturday after accepting an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The tournament, which runs from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, replaces Afghanistan’s planned involvement after political tensions forced their withdrawal.
In a statement announcing the development, the PCB said:
“Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I Tri-Series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.
“The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.
“The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
“The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe. Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.”
For Zimbabwe, this invitation offers more than game time, it’s a vital chance to test new combinations and assess emerging players as they shape their T20 identity ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
The Chevrons begin their campaign against Pakistan on November 17 at Rawalpindi before facing Sri Lanka two days later.
They then move to Lahore for return fixtures against Pakistan (November 23) and Sri Lanka (November 25), with the top two sides meeting in the final on November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Zimbabwe last toured Pakistan in 2020 for a white ball series that included three ODIs and as many T20Is. Pakistan took the T20 leg 3-0 and won the ODIs 2-0, but Zimbabwe’s competitive showing on that tour helped rekindle cricketing ties between the two nations.
Four years later, the Chevrons return with renewed purpose, part of a broader journey to reclaim their footing on the global stage.
dyton mupawaenda