Pakistan, Bangladesh scrap ODIs from upcoming tours, opt for only T20Is

Pakistan and Bangladesh have decided to replace One Day Internationals (ODIs) with Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in their upcoming bilateral series. The change is aimed at preparing both teams for the T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.  

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of Media and Communications, Sami Ul Hasan, confirmed the decision on Sunday. He explained that adjusting the schedule would help both teams focus on their T20 game ahead of the major tournament.  

Bangladesh was originally set to tour Pakistan in May for three ODIs and three T20Is as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the series will now include five T20Is instead. Similarly, Pakistan’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in July, which was supposed to feature three ODIs outside the FTP, has been changed to a three-match T20I series.  

Before the T20 World Cup, both teams will also take part in the Asia Cup in India this September, which will be played in the T20 format.  

Meanwhile, Pakistan is currently playing a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The hosts have already secured a 3-1 lead, with one match remaining. After the series, Pakistan and New Zealand will compete in a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.  

Following these international fixtures, Pakistan’s players will shift their focus to the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is scheduled to take place from April 11 to May 18.