Tentative schedule revealed for Pakistan T20I tri-series with Afghanistan, UAE

A T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to kick off on August 29 in Sharjah, sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to insiders, the series will feature a total of seven matches, including the final, all set to take place at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The final is scheduled for September 7.

The series is expected to begin with a match between Pakistan and Afghanistan on August 29. UAE will play their first game the following day against Pakistan.

Initially, Pakistan was set to host Afghanistan for a bilateral T20I series this month. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed turning it into a tri-series and shifting it to the UAE. The main aim of this move is to help players get used to UAE conditions ahead of the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

The Asia Cup, scheduled from September 9 to 28, will be played in the T20 format and will serve as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.

The 2025 Asia Cup will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman. Group B consists of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The tournament will begin on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening match.

Pakistan will start their campaign on September 12 against Oman, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on September 14.