Pakistan Likely to Change Afghanistan Series to Tri-Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board appears serious about providing as much T20I exposure for the team as possible before next year’s World Cup, and its latest effort includes converting the upcoming bilateral series against Afghanistan into a tri-series.

Afghanistan is currently scheduled to play three T20I matches in Pakistan in August ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. According to Qadir Khawaja and his inside sources, the PCB is considering adding the UAE as a third team and host in a strategic move. This adjustment aims to provide a broader competitive platform in preparation for the Asia Cup, expected in August.

The UAE is likely to host the 2025 Asia Cup as well, given PCB’s insistence that Pakistan will not travel to India, the tournament’s official host. UAE has hosted numerous international fixtures in the past, including matches involving all the participating teams, and will once again serve as a neutral and convenient venue for all involved.

The proposed tri-series—featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE—will serve as a crucial preparatory assignment before the Asia Cup. It gives teams a chance to finalize combinations, test bench strength, and assess players in conditions similar to those they will face in the multi-nation event.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are already established outfits in T20I cricket, but the UAE is quietly building a confident side, especially in home conditions. Their recent 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh is a testament to their growing potential.

While an official announcement is yet to be made, the reshuffle is likely to go through. Once finalized, fixtures, venues, and dates are expected to be announced jointly by the participating boards.

If confirmed, this tri-nation series could provide a high-stakes platform for three emerging cricketing sides and inject further excitement into the lead-up to the Asia Cup.