Pakistan to Host Tri-Series with NZ, SA Before Champions Trophy: PCB Chairman

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, announced that Pakistan is set to host a tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa in February, shortly before the Champions Trophy next year.

The PCB chairman has extended invitations to Roger Twose, Chairman of New Zealand Cricket, and Lawson Naidoo, Chairman of Cricket South Africa, to visit Pakistan for the upcoming triangular ODI series.

Naqvi emphasized that the forthcoming tri-series will be a thrilling event, marking Pakistan’s return to hosting such tournaments after a considerable period. He expressed gratitude to New Zealand Cricket and Cricket South Africa for their agreement to participate in the tri-series.

“The tri-series between Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand will be an exciting event and it is after a long time that Pakistan will host such a tournament. I would like to thank the heads of NZC and CSA for agreeing to participate in the Tri-series. The PCB is also looking forward to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be a great pleasure for Pakistan to host the top eight ODI teams on its soil,” the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman said, according to a statement.

Prior to the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Wednesday that New Zealand is scheduled to visit the country for a five-match T20 series. The series is slated to occur from April 18 to 27, with the Kiwi team arriving in Pakistan on April 14 to allow for ample training and practice sessions in preparation for the T20 World Cup, commencing in June.

This marks the Black Caps’ third visit to Pakistan in the past 17 months. Their initial visit took place from December 2022 to January 2023, during which they competed in two Tests and three ODIs against the Men in Green.

The Test series of 2022-23 concluded in a 0-0 draw, whereas New Zealand secured victory in the ODI series with a 2-1 scoreline. Earlier this year, Pakistan visited New Zealand and suffered a 4-1 defeat in the T20Is. The first three T20I matches of the ongoing series will be held in Rawalpindi, after which the visiting team will proceed to Lahore for the remaining two games.

Full schedule:
1st T20I in Rawalpindi: April 8.
2nd T20I in Rawalpindi: April 20.
3rd T20I in Rawalpindi: April 21.
4th T20I in Lahore: April 25.
5th T20I in Lahore: April 27.