Tri-Nation Series Proposed: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE

LAHORE: Plans for a tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE are in the final stages, with an official announcement anticipated following the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, sources indicated on Thursday.

According to sources, conversations to finalize the series will occur during the ACC sessions. Upon the meeting’s conclusion, the complete schedule and locations will likely be disclosed.

Sources also suggested that the tri-series would occur in the UAE preceding the Asia Cup 2025.

Originally, Pakistan was set to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series this August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested transforming the series into a tri-nation event and relocating it to the UAE.

The purpose of organizing the series in the UAE is to support players in adjusting to the conditions before the Asia Cup.

The Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) historic Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Thursday in Bangladesh, with a large number of member nations confirming their participation.

24 of the 25 ACC members have verified their attendance, significantly exceeding the needed quorum of 13, which is being praised as a considerable diplomatic achievement for ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.

Despite initial opposition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Oman Cricket regarding the venue, Naqvi’s consistent efforts guaranteed that the AGM would proceed as scheduled in the Bangladeshi capital.

Notably, India is also participating in the meeting virtually, with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expected to attend online, representing a notable shift from the board’s previous position.