Hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the opening game of the tri-series, also involving England. Each team will face the other twice in the league stage, and the top two teams will make it to the final, scheduled for Saturday, October 31. The first leg of the tournament will be played in Rawalpindi, while Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second leg, including the final.
All eyes will be on Babar Azam, who is fresh off a disappointing return to domestic cricket in Pakistan. He will take confidence from the fact that four of his 20 ODI centuries so far have come against Sri Lanka. Pakistan will also look at Fakhar Zaman and Arafat Minhas, among others, to come good as they begin preparations for the ODI World Cup next year.
As for Sri Lanka, they are enduring a forgettable 2026, having lost 22 matches across formats (10 wins, 2 draws and 1 no result) so far. They have recalled Avishka Fernando to the ODI setup after his strong showing in the domestic circuit. Skipper Kusal Mendis will have to lead from the front if Sri Lanka are to go deep in this series.
Meanwhile, England will miss veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jofra Archer has been rested, even as Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return from hand and groin injuries, respectively. They have also picked Mason Crane, who hasn't played international cricket for eight years.
Also Read: Pakistan tri-series 2026, all you need to know: Full schedule, squads, venues and match timings for the ODI tri-series
PTV Sports will broadcast all matches of this tri-series live in Pakistan. Fans will also be able to stream the tournament live on Tapmad, Tamasha and the PCB Live app.
Where to watch in Sri Lanka?Peo TV and Siyatha TV will telecast the tri-series live in Sri Lanka, while the live streaming will be available on Dialog.
Where to watch in the UK?Fans in the United Kingdom will be able to get hold of all the live action on Sky Sports. PCB Live app will also live-stream matches for fans in the UK.
Where to watch in India?There is no live telecast of the tri-series in India. However, live streaming will be available on Veto.
Where to watch in Bangladesh?TSports will telecast and Tapmad will stream all matches of this tri-series live in Bangladesh.
Where to watch in the Middle East and North America?Cricbuzz have telecast and streaming rights of this tri-series in the Middle East and North America. Cricket fans in North America will also be able to watch the tournament on the PCB Live app.
Where to watch in Australia?Fox Sports will bring all the live action of the tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka for the cricket fans in Australia.
Where to watch in Europe, the Caribbean and Africa?PCB Live app will stream all matches of the tri-series in European, Caribbean and African countries.
Where to watch in the rest of the world?Sports Central/ Sports TV will stream matches for the rest of the world, excluding Africa and the Caribbean.
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