Pakistan, Bangladesh replace ODIs with T20Is in upcoming tours

Pakistan and Bangladesh replace ODIs with T20Is in upcoming series, focusing on T20 World Cup preparation.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have opted to drop One Day Internationals (ODIs) from their upcoming bilateral series in May and July, replacing them with Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Director of Media and Communications, Sami Ul Hasan, confirmed the decision on Sunday. The adjustment aligns with both teams’ preparations for the global tournament, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.

Bangladesh was originally scheduled to tour Pakistan in May for three ODIs and three T20Is as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the series will now feature five T20Is.

Similarly, Pakistan’s July tour of Bangladesh, initially set for three ODIs outside the FTP schedule, has been converted into a three-match T20I series.

Before the T20 World Cup, both teams will participate in the Asia Cup in India this September, which will also be played in the T20 format.

Pakistan is currently competing in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, where the hosts lead 3-1 with one match remaining. The sides will then meet for a three-match ODI series from 29 March to 5 April.

Following this, players will turn their attention to the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is set to take place from 11 April to 18 May.