Triangular Cricket Returns: Pakistan to Host England and Sri Lanka in ODI Tri-Series Schedule
Published on August 19, 2026
Summary Overview: Pakistan will host England and Sri Lanka in an ODI tri-series from October 18 to 31 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, a key 2027 World Cup warm-up. Full schedule, venues and what's at stake.
Triangular Cricket Returns: Pakistan to Host England and Sri Lanka in ODI Tri-Series
By Cricket Daily
One of cricket's most enjoyable formats is making a comeback. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed an ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, to be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October. For fans in Pakistan, it means another marquee international event at home, and for all three teams, it is important preparation with a World Cup on the horizon.
What is a tri-series?
For anyone new to the term, a tri-series, or triangular tournament, is a competition between three international teams. Each side plays the other two more than once in a league stage, and the two teams that finish top of the table then meet in a final to decide the winner.
This tournament follows exactly that shape. Across six league matches, every team plays the other two twice, and the top two on the table advance to the final in Lahore on 31 October. It is a format that guarantees plenty of competitive one-day cricket and a proper knockout finish, and it was once a staple of the international calendar, so its return is a treat.
Why this series matters
The timing is the key. This tri-series is valuable preparation for all three nations ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, the 50-over showpiece in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka have all already qualified for that tournament, so this is a rare chance to test combinations, settle line-ups and build momentum in the format that matters, against quality opposition.
There is a bigger picture for the hosts too. The tri-series is the centrepiece of a packed Pakistan home season, and it continues the country's re-establishment as a regular host of top international cricket. Triangular events like this were once synonymous with the subcontinent, so bringing one back to Rawalpindi and Lahore carries a real sense of occasion.
The venues
The tournament is split between two of Pakistan's most iconic grounds. The opening phase, the first three matches, will be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The action then shifts to the famous Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the final three league games and the final itself. Both are big, atmospheric venues that should draw strong home crowds.
Full schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | PKT (Local) | IST | ET |
| Sun 18 Oct | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Tue 20 Oct | Pakistan v England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Thu 22 Oct | Sri Lanka v England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Sun 25 Oct | Pakistan v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Tue 27 Oct | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Thu 29 Oct | Sri Lanka v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Sat 31 Oct | Final (top two teams) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
⬇️ Download Free PFD Triangular Schedule 2026
Match start times are still to be confirmed, and we will update this page with timings and broadcast details closer to the tournament.
Part of a huge home season
The tri-series does not stand alone. It is one piece of an extended run of home fixtures for Pakistan that stretches from early October into late November. Sri Lanka arrive first for a three-match T20 international series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, before England fly in for this ODI tri-series. Once the one-day cricket is done, Sri Lanka stay on to face Pakistan in a two-match Test series that forms part of the World Test Championship, with a warm-up game in Islamabad in between.
In other words, Pakistan fans are in for a feast of cricket across all three formats and three cities, and the tri-series sits right at the heart of it.
What to watch for
The intrigue lies in how each team uses the tournament. England will be looking to sharpen their one-day side in subcontinental conditions, exactly the kind of surfaces that can trouble touring teams and reward smart, adaptable cricket. Pakistan, roared on by home crowds, will fancy their chances of setting the pace. And Sri Lanka, dangerous and unpredictable, have the spin and the experience to upset anyone on slow pitches.
With a World Cup place already secured for all three, expect to see fringe players given opportunities and new combinations trialled, which only adds to the fascination. It may be preparation, but with a trophy and a final on the line, nobody will want to lose.
Keep it locked to Cricket Daily for squads, start times, and full coverage of the ODI tri-series.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka ODI tri-series?
From 18 to 31 October, played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final on 31 October at the Gaddafi Stadium.
How does the tri-series work?
The three teams play each other twice in a six-match league stage, and the top two on the table meet in the final.
Where are the matches being played?
The first three matches are at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the remaining league games plus the final are at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Why is the series important?
It is valuable one-day preparation for all three teams ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which they have all already qualified for.
Is this part of a bigger tour?
Yes. It sits within a packed Pakistan home season that also includes a Pakistan v Sri Lanka T20 series and a Pakistan v Sri Lanka Test series in the World Test Championship.
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