The Pakistan Tri-Nation Series is scheduled to take place from February 8 to February 14, 2025, featuring the national cricket teams of Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. This One Day International (ODI) series serves as a preparatory event for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19, 2025.
Revised Schedule and Venues:
Initially planned to be held in Multan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated the tri-series to Lahore and Karachi to showcase the recent renovations at these venues.
The updated schedule is as follows:
- February 8, 2025: 1st ODI – Pakistan vs. New Zealand at National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
- February 10, 2025: 2nd ODI – New Zealand vs. South Africa at National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
- February 12, 2025: 3rd ODI – Pakistan vs. South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
- February 14, 2025: Final – Top two teams at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Venue Upgrades:
The PCB has invested significantly in upgrading the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi to enhance facilities ahead of the Champions Trophy. These improvements include increased seating capacities, new player and hospitality enclosures, and the installation of digital replay screens.
Team Preparations:
The tri-nation series offers all participating teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and squads in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. The series marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a tri-nation tournament since 2004, highlighting the nation’s efforts to reestablish itself as a premier destination for international cricket.
Squads:
Pakistan Squad:
As of January 18, 2025, Pakistan has not officially announced its squad for the tri-nation series. However, reports suggest that the squad will be “almost the same” as the one participating in the ODI series against South Africa in December 2024. The ODI squad for that series included:
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Batters: Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir
- All-Rounders: Abrar Ahmed,Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha,
- Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan
- Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Mohammad Irfan Khan
New Zealand:
- Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Batters: Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Will Young
- All-Rounders: Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith
- Wicketkeepers: Devon Conway, Tom Latham
- Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears
South Africa:
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Batters: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram (vice-captain), David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs
- All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder
- Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton
- Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Note: Anrich Nortje was initially included but has been ruled out due to a back injury.