The cricketing world was thrown into uncertainty this week, but the show must go on. Following a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives , the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken decisive action to ensure player safety and the continuity of the sport. The entire T20 tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, has been moved from its original venues to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This isn’t just a logistical shuffle; it’s a powerful statement about the resilience of Pakistani cricket in the face of adversity. Let’s dive deep into the details of this major change.
On November 11, 2025, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device outside the District Judicial Complex in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad . The attack, which killed 12 people and injured dozens more, sent immediate shockwaves through the nation and raised serious concerns about security in the capital .
With the T20 tri-series set to kick off just days later on November 18th, the PCB faced immense pressure. The primary concern was the safety of the visiting Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean squads. Given the proximity of the blast to potential venues and the heightened security alert, the board’s hand was forced. The decision to centralize all matches in Rawalpindi was announced as a direct consequence of this security threat .
Rawalpindi has long been a trusted and secure venue for international cricket in Pakistan. It successfully hosted numerous matches during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and various bilateral series when international teams were gradually returning to the country. The Punjab government has already finalized a comprehensive security plan for the event, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all involved .
By moving the entire tournament to a single, well-protected location, the PCB simplifies its security and operational logistics. This “bio-bubble” approach minimizes the risks associated with travel between cities and allows for a more concentrated and robust security detail. All matches will now start at the uniform time of 6 PM local time, creating a consistent and exciting evening schedule for fans.
The good news for fans is that the tournament is still going ahead as planned, just from a different location. The revised schedule for the Pakistan T20 tri-series 2025 is now entirely based out of Rawalpindi:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| November 18, 2025 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 19, 2025 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 20, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 22, 2025 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 23, 2025 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 25, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| November 27, 2025 | Final | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
As you can see, the action is non-stop, with the final set for November 27th.
In a major show of solidarity and faith in the PCB, the Sri Lankan team has confirmed it will remain in Pakistan despite the recent security concerns. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, personally assured the visitors of the highest level of security for their stay . This is a significant confidence boost for Pakistan, especially after past incidents like New Zealand’s abrupt tour cancellation in 2021, which was also linked to a security alert .
Zimbabwe’s team is also expected to continue with the tour. Their participation, along with Sri Lanka’s, is a testament to the trust being built in Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket safely. The fans in Rawalpindi are in for a treat, as they will now witness the entire tournament unfold in their city.
This event is a critical juncture for Pakistani cricket. Successfully hosting this T20 tri-series under these challenging circumstances will send a powerful message to the international cricketing community. It demonstrates that Pakistan can adapt, overcome, and deliver a world-class cricketing spectacle while prioritizing security.
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts and fans planning to catch the action live or on TV, this centralized schedule in Rawalpindi actually makes things more convenient. Keep an eye on our [INTERNAL_LINK:fixtures] page for live updates and detailed match previews. The resilience shown by the PCB and the visiting teams is a positive step forward for the sport in the region.
The relocation of the T20 tri-series to Rawalpindi is a necessary and prudent move in the wake of a tragic security event. While the circumstances are unfortunate, the swift action by the PCB and the commitment of the Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean teams highlight a shared desire to keep cricket alive in Pakistan. The stage is now set in Rawalpindi for an intense and historic tournament that will be about much more than just the game on the field.
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