In preparation for the Champions Trophy, a three-nation series has been prepared by Pakistan to replace the traditional bilateral format in ODI. Pakistan Cricket Board has revealed the team’s next home engagements, which will host a three-way ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa set for February 2025 amid a packed incoming line-up.It will be noted that Pakistan will be starting its international outfits against Bangladesh before hosting it set of test matches involving England and West Indies.
Between August 2024 and January 2025,some seven Test matches will be played in Pakistan. Involving South Africa and New Zealand, the tri-series will feature four games, including its final. In the forthcoming months, Pakistan are also slated to visit Australia and Zimbabwe for ODIs and T20Is while embarking on an all-format tour to South Africa which also encompasses a Boxing Day Test.
The Champions Trophy will be the focus after the Test series at home against West Indies.
According to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s statement, hosting five of the leading international teams before the Champions Trophy was evidence of their stature in world cricket. By retaining hosting rights of the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled from February 19 to March 9, Pakistan showed tangible commitment in the tournament. However, this was subject to approval by BCCI since PCB had scheduled the most awaited India versus Pakistan game for March 1 in Lahore.
Schedule:
Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)
21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi
30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, Karachi
England in Pakistan (Three Tests)
7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan
15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi
24-28 Oct – Third Test, Rawalpindi
West Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)
16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi
24-28 Jan – Second Test, Multan
New Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)
8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan
10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan
12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan
14 Feb – Final, Multan.
Champions Trophy ODI – February 19 to March 9.