Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S senior men’s cricket team will travel to Pakistan next month for a rare T20 Tri-Series, marking a new phase of renewal and transition for the Chevrons.
The tour, which features hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka, comes as Zimbabwe continues its rebuilding efforts under a demanding 2024–25 schedule that has tested the squad’s depth and resilience. 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, scheduled to run from 17 to 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore, replaces Afghanistan’s planned involvement following their withdrawal due to political tensions.
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 series will begin on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan facing Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture, on 19 November, will see Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe at the same venue. The action then shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.
For Zimbabwe, the invitation offers more than just match practice — it presents a crucial opportunity to test new combinations and assess emerging talent as the team continues to shape its T20 identity ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
The Chevrons open their campaign against Pakistan on 17 November in Rawalpindi, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka on 19 November. They then move to Lahore for return fixtures against Pakistan (23 November) and Sri Lanka (25 November), with the top two sides meeting in the final on 29 November at Gaddafi Stadium.
Zimbabwe last toured Pakistan in 2020 for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. Pakistan won the T20 leg 3-0 and the ODIs 2-0, but Zimbabwe’s competitive performance helped rekindle cricketing ties between the two nations.
Four years on, the Chevrons return with renewed purpose, as part of a broader journey to reclaim their place on the global stage. — @brandon_malvin.
