The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the 16-member Pakistan ODI squad for the upcoming home tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi captains the national side in a high-stakes ODI tournament on home soil. Set to run from October 18 to October 31, 2026, the double round-robin tournament brings three world-class teams to Rawalpindi and Lahore as preparation builds toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
PCB Selects Balanced Mix of Youth and Experience
Why did selectors rework the 50-over setup? The primary goal is finding tactical clarity before global events arrive.
The Pakistan cricket team selection committee blended tested core performers with dynamic emerging talent. Star batter Babar Azam features in the middle order alongside Salman Ali Agha, while explosive opener Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub retain their spots at the top of the order. All-round balance comes from Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf.
Exciting young prospects have entered the main frame. Wicketkeeper-batters Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig earned selections to provide depth. Fast bowler Razaullah Mashwani joins speedsters Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed and mystery spinner Sufiyan Moqim fill out the spin attack alongside leg-spinner Shadab Khan.
Pakistan ODI Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah Mashwani, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim.
England and Sri Lanka Unveil Formidable Squads
Both visiting teams brought stacked rosters for this October clash. England arrive under skipper Harry Brook, who leads an aggressive white-ball setup featuring Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, and veteran spinner Adil Rashid. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson and all-rounder Will Jacks also bolster England’s 16-man squad.
Sri Lanka named a dangerous squad skippered by wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis. The islanders rely on spin wizard Maheesh Theekshana and young talent Dunith Wellalage. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera leads their pace battery.
| Team | Captain | Key Players |
| Pakistan | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan |
| England | Harry Brook | Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid |
| Sri Lanka | Kusal Mendis | Maheesh Theekshana, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage |
High-Stakes Battles: Pakistan vs England and Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Can Pakistan convert home crowd advantage into silverware?
Fans eagerly await Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on opening day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. Two days later, Pakistan face England in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan vs England rivalry has produced thrilling high-scoring thrillers in recent years, making their back-to-back encounters primary broadcast draws.
Rawalpindi hosts the first three matches. Action then moves south to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the final four matches, culminating in the final on October 31.
- Participating Teams: Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka.
- Pakistan Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- Venues: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
- Dates: October 18 – October 31, 2026.
- Total Matches: 7 ODIs (6 group games plus the final).
The selection of the Pakistan squad for tri series action signals a clear intention to dominate on home soil. With Shaheen Shah Afridi leading a pace attack backed by experienced batters like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, expectations remain high across Pakistan. Seven intense ODI encounters in Rawalpindi and Lahore promise two full weeks of premier cricket entertainment.
