England’s cricket team has arrived in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament will run from October 18 to 31, 2026, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) welcomed the visiting contingent at Islamabad International Airport on Friday, October 16. England are expected to train ahead of their opening fixture as the three teams prepare for a competitive series of seven matches, including the final.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet in the opening match on October 18 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. England will begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 20 at the same venue.
Pakistan vs England vs Sri Lanka: Full ODI Tri-Series Schedule
The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with each team facing the other two sides twice before the final.
Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
October 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
October 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi |
October 22 | Sri Lanka vs England | Rawalpindi |
October 25 | Pakistan vs England | Lahore |
October 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
October 29 | Sri Lanka vs England | Lahore |
October 31 | Final — Top two teams | Lahore |
The first three matches will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the tournament moves to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the remaining league fixtures and final.
England Squad for the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series
Harry Brook will captain England in the tournament. The squad includes experienced international players alongside three uncapped ODI selections.
England squad: Harry Brook (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Josh Tongue.
Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return to the squad after recovering from injuries. Mason Crane, James Coles and Henry Crocombe have earned ODI call-ups, while Jos Buttler is unavailable because of a hamstring injury. Jofra Archer has been rested.
Pakistan Squad
Pakistan will be led by left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. The squad combines experienced players with younger options across the batting and bowling departments.
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be among the batting options, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf strengthen the pace attack.
Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka will be captained by Kusal Mendis as they look to compete against the hosts and England.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka will look to Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando for runs at the top of the order, while Maheesh Theekshana and the team's seamers will be important to their campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Brook (England): The captain will be central to England’s batting plans.
Joe Root (England): His experience and ability to build an ODI innings could prove valuable.
Babar Azam (Pakistan): Pakistan will look to their senior batter for consistency.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): His new-ball bowling could be a major factor.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): The captain will have an important role in guiding Sri Lanka’s batting.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): His contribution at the top could help Sri Lanka challenge both opponents.
Where Will the Final Be Played?
The tri-series final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The two teams finishing highest in the league standings will compete for the trophy.
With England now in Pakistan, attention turns to the opening match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on October 18. The tournament will also provide all three teams with an opportunity to assess their ODI combinations ahead of future international commitments.
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