Pakistan takes on Australia in a three-match Twenty20 Worldwide sequence beginning in Lahore from Thursday, regardless of doubts over its participation in subsequent month’s World Cup in cricket’s shortest format.
The nation’s cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi will announce a remaining determination on collaborating within the mega occasion both on Friday or Monday.
Pakistan is protesting over final week’s determination by the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC), which rejected Bangladesh’s demand to relocate its matches out of India over safety fears.
Bangladesh is changed by Scotland within the 20-team occasion, which runs from February 7 to March 8 with Sri Lanka as co-host.
Nevertheless, regardless of the doubts, the Pakistan crew was getting ready for the World Cup with skipper Salman Agha stressing the significance of the Australia sequence.
ALSO READ | England’s Root says no malice in Brook’s ‘Stone Chilly’ century celebration in opposition to Sri Lanka
“These three video games will give us an thought how ready we’re for the World Cup,” Agha instructed a information convention on Wednesday. “Australia is a prime crew and can give us the very best remaining preparations.”
Pakistan is positioned in Group A alongside defending world champion India, america, Namibia and the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi returns to full health after injuring his knee within the Massive Bash League in Australia this month.
“We have to see what number of packing containers we tick within the sequence that are necessary for the World Cup as we purpose to do properly and win the Cup,” Agha stated.
A 17-member Australian squad led by Mitchell Marsh arrived in Lahore early on Wednesday, with the final two matches set for January 31 and February 1.
The Australians are with out the injured quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis, whereas all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was rested to handle workload.
Marsh nonetheless believes Australia was prepared for the World Cup tune-up sequence.
“These are essential occasions in each groups’ preparations for the World Cup,” stated Marsh, whose crew can be in Group B with Sri Lanka, Oman, Eire and Zimbabwe.
“It is a essential sequence because the situations are related and that’s in opposition to a high quality facet, so we are going to assess the scenario and be clear about our plans forward.”
Printed on Jan 28, 2026