Hello and Assalam-o-Alaikum!
I hope you are all doing well. Cricket fans, this one is for you! A big cricket series is starting in Pakistan in just two days, and I am so excited that I had to write about it. Three teams, seven matches, two cities — let me explain everything in simple words.
What Is Happening?
Pakistan is hosting a tri-series — that means three teams playing against each other. The teams are Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka. The series starts on October 18, 2026 and the final will be played on October 31, 2026. All matches are One Day Internationals (ODIs), where each team plays 50 overs.
This is not just any series. England is playing an ODI series in Pakistan for the first time in 21 years — since 2005! That is why this series feels so special. You can read more cricket stories in our Sports section, and follow all fresh updates in Latest.
Full Schedule (Save This!)
Here are all seven matches. The first three will be played in Rawalpindi, and the rest in Lahore:
October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi (opening match!)
October 20: Pakistan vs England — Rawalpindi
October 22: England vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi
October 25: Pakistan vs England — Lahore
October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Lahore
October 29: England vs Sri Lanka — Lahore
October 31: THE FINAL — Lahore (top two teams)
All matches are day-night games, starting in the early afternoon Pakistan time. So you can watch the first half in daylight and the exciting finish under lights!
Who Is Leading the Teams?
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi — our fast bowler and captain. He is joined by stars like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan.
England: Harry Brook — a young captain with big names like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid in his squad. England arrived in Pakistan today, and PCB officials welcomed them with traditional Jinnah caps!
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis — leading a team with dangerous players like Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage. Sadly for them, their star batter Pathum Nissanka is injured and will miss the series; Lahiru Udara replaces him.
Why Does This Series Matter So Much?
There are three big reasons, and I will keep them very simple:
1. World Cup practice: The 2027 Cricket World Cup is coming, and all three teams want to test their players before it. Every match here helps captains decide their best team.
2. England is back: 21 years is a very long time. When a big team like England tours Pakistan, it tells the world that Pakistan is a safe and great place for cricket. This makes all of us proud.
3. Home fans: Our team plays best in front of home crowds. The noise in Rawalpindi and Lahore stadiums can lift our players and make visiting teams nervous. If you get a chance to go, go!
Pakistan’s Recent Form — A Good Sign
Here is something that made me smile: Pakistan just beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in a T20I series that ended on October 13 in Rawalpindi. So our boys are already in winning mood against one of these teams. Of course, ODIs are a different game — longer, needing more patience — but winning is a habit, and I hope it continues.
England will be without two big names: fast bowler Jofra Archer is rested, and Jos Buttler is injured. But do not think this makes England weak — Joe Root and Adil Rashid can win matches on their own. Never take England lightly!
My Honest Take
Let me tell you what I really think, in the simplest words.
The good side: This is a dream series for Pakistan cricket fans. Three strong teams, home grounds, and World Cup preparation — everything in one package. Our bowling attack with Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris can scare any team in the world.
The careful side: Our batting needs to be steady. In ODIs, one bad hour can lose you the match. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will need to score big, and the young players must handle pressure in front of big crowds.
My prediction? I will not jinx it by predicting! But I will say this: if Pakistan plays brave cricket, the trophy can stay home. Here at Pak Unfiltered, I will keep following this series and explain every big moment in simple words, just for you.
Which team are you supporting — and who do you think will lift the trophy on October 31? Tell me! And if you want me to explain any other story in simple words, reach out through our Contact Us page.
Take care, and enjoy the cricket! — Maryam
