To sharpen their readiness for the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan will compete in a T20I Tri-Nation Series against Afghanistan and UAE, held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 29 August to 7 September. Every team plays each other twice in a round-robin format before the final on 7 September, offering Pakistan valuable match-practice in UAE conditions before the Asia Cup begins on 9 September. The series opens with Pakistan facing Afghanistan under lights at 7 pm local time. This well-planned sequence ensures all sides are acclimatized and battle-ready heading into continental competition.
📆 Tri-Series Schedule – Sharjah, UAE (All matches at 7pm UAE time)
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 29 Aug | Afghanistan vs Pakistan |
| 30 Aug | UAE vs Pakistan |
| 1 Sep | UAE vs Afghanistan |
| 2 Sep | Pakistan vs Afghanistan |
| 4 Sep | Pakistan vs UAE |
| 5 Sep | Afghanistan vs UAE |
| 7 Sep | Final – Top 2 teams |
🎯 Why This Tri-Series Matters
- Strategic Prep for Asia Cup: Sharjah conditions, bowling-friendly surfaces, and match tempo emulate Asia Cup environment.
- Extended Exposure: Each side plays at least four matches before the final, ensuring depth testing.
- Match Intensity: Pakistan vs Afghanistan remains a fiery contest; UAE offers competitive spirit boosted by region familiarity.
👥 Pakistan: Squad Context & Role
- Pakistan’s squad will use this series to finalize combinations—testing spinners, all-rounders, and reserve pacers before the Asia Cup.
- A focused opportunity to rotate players and stretch squad depth across short-format conditions.
🌍 Teams Involved
- Pakistan: Asian giants and defending champions of multiple T20I series, keen to sharpen lineup.
- Afghanistan: Emerging force in T20I cricket, last semifinalists of 2024 T20 World Cup, dangerous spin and pace duo.
- UAE (hosts): Blessed with home advantage and familiar pitches, experienced with subcontinental contests.
❓ FAQs — Pakistan vs Afghanistan vs UAE Tri-Series
Q1: When and where is the tri-series being played?
A: The tournament is at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE, from 29 August to 7 September 2025, all matches at 7 pm local time.Q2: Why is Pakistan playing this tri-series?
A: PCB converted a bilateral Afghanistan series into a tri-series in UAE to simulate Asia Cup conditions and provide competitive exposure before the continental event.Q3: What is the format and number of matches?
A: Round-robin format: each team plays others twice (4 league games per team), with the top two meeting in the final on September 7.Q4: When does the Asia Cup start?
A: ACC T20 Asia Cup runs from 9 to 28 September 2025 in the UAE. Pakistan is in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman.Q5: Is this tri-series officially confirmed?
A: Yes—PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the schedule following ACC meetings in Dhaka, with full fixtures released on 1 August 2025.✅ Final Thoughts
The Pakistan–Afghanistan–UAE T20I Tri-Series in Sharjah is strategically designed as the ideal curtain-raiser to Asia Cup cricket. With Sharjah’s hosting, consistent 7 pm scheduling, and all-round team matchups, Pakistan gains a crucial competitive edge in UAE conditions. The format offers robust assessment of form, squad combinations, and tactical depth before the high-stakes continental campaign begins