Teams Prioritize T20 World Cup Preparations
Pakistan and Bangladesh have decided to replace scheduled One Day Internationals (ODIs) with Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in their upcoming bilateral series, aiming to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of Media and Communications, Sami Ul Hasan, confirmed the change on Sunday, stating that the shift aligns with both teams’ preparations for the global tournament, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
Under the initial schedule, Bangladesh was set to tour Pakistan in May for a series consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the format has now been revised to a five-match T20I series.
Similarly, Pakistan’s scheduled visit to Bangladesh in July, which was initially planned as a three-match ODI series outside the FTP framework, has been restructured into a three-game T20I contest.
In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, both nations will also compete in the Asia Cup, which is set to be played in the T20 format this September in India.
Currently, Pakistan is engaged in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with the hosts leading 3-1 ahead of the final match. Following this, the two sides will face off in a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.
After the international fixtures, players will shift focus to the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled to run from April 11 to May 18.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why have Pakistan and Bangladesh removed ODIs from their upcoming series?
The change is aimed at prioritizing T20 cricket as both teams prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. - When and where will the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup take place?
The tournament is scheduled for February 2026 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. - How many T20Is will Pakistan and Bangladesh play against each other?
Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan in May will feature five T20Is, while Pakistan’s visit to Bangladesh in July will include three T20Is. - Will both teams participate in the Asia Cup before the T20 World Cup?
Yes, both sides will compete in the Asia Cup this September in India, which will also follow the T20 format. - What are Pakistan’s immediate cricket commitments before the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan is currently playing a T20I series against New Zealand, followed by an ODI series before the PSL begins in April.
