Tri-Nation Series Set to Take Place in UAE

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has verified that a T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be organized ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.

During a media interaction following the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dhaka, Naqvi, also the newly appointed ACC President, revealed that the competition will be hosted in the UAE.

“Yes, it is confirmed and will be held before the Asia Cup in UAE,” Naqvi confirmed.

Naqvi also commented on speculations regarding another potential tri-nation series in 2026 involving Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh. He showed enthusiasm for the concept and responded favorably when questioned about its feasibility.

“I hope we can make it happen. We would definitely be interested,” Naqvi remarked with enthusiasm.

Recent reports indicate that Bangladesh is being considered for participation in a T20I tri-series with Australia and Pakistan in February 2026.

A source within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) verified that preliminary discussions have occurred, though the PCB has not yet submitted a formal proposal.

As part of their preparations, Australia is slated to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in early February 2026.

However, conversations are underway to potentially transform the bilateral series into a tri-nation tournament by including Bangladesh.

Separately, on July 5, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman Mirwais Ashraf also confirmed that discussions are in progress to convert the originally planned bilateral series with Pakistan into a tri-nation event, with the UAE as the third participant and host.

“A T20I series against Pakistan was planned for August, but they proposed adding another team — UAE — to the series,” Ashraf mentioned.

“The tri-nation series will be valuable for our Asia Cup preparations,” he added.

He also highlighted that the ACB has no issues with the location and is focused on ensuring comprehensive preparations for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup.

Notably, Pakistan was originally scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series in August.