PAK vs ENG vs SL ODI Tri-series 2026: Full list of commentators and broadcast talent for white-ball contest in Pakistan originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Pakistan,England and Sri Lanka begin a one-day tri-series in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi and Harry Brook both see the contest as vital World Cup preparation.
- Mark Butcher, Aamir Sohail and Waqar Younis feature in the commentary line-up, with Zainab Abbas presenting.
PAK vs ENG vs SL ODI Tri-series 2026: Preview
The Tri-series brings together England, Sri Lanka and hosts Pakistan, and each side will play the other two twice before the leading pair meet in the final in Lahore on October 31. Pakistan open the series against Sri Lanka on day one, while England play their first game against the hosts on Tuesday, October 20.
All three nations have lifted the World Cup at some point, yet their recent results in the tournament make for uncomfortable reading. The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup is less than a year away, and every team wants to make the most of the tri-series.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi made that point clearly ahead of his team’s opener against Sri Lanka, and he stressed that a good run here would help the side settle its plans for the big tournament.
“It will be important we do well as the focus will be on the World Cup and we need to get good preparations,” Shaheen said.
The history behind that remark explains his sense of urgency. Pakistan won the World Cup in 1992, but they have not reached the semi-finals since 2011, and they finished fifth at the last edition in India three years ago. England were champions on home soil in 2019, although they slipped to seventh in 2023, and Sri Lanka, who won the title in 1996, fared no better.
Pakistan will be boosted by the return of Babar Azam, who was left out of the T20 series against Sri Lanka that finished last week with the hosts winning 2-1. His comeback gives the batting order a more settled look, and it is understood to be one of the main talking points around the home camp.
England, led by Harry Brook, will be without two key names, as batter Jos Buttler is injured and fast bowler Jofra Archer has been rested. However, the visitors arrive on the back of three successive ODI series wins, two against Sri Lanka and one against India.
PAK vs ENG vs SL ODI Tri-series 2026: Full list of commentators
The broadcast team combines former international players with experienced voices from the commentary box. Mark Butcher, Aamir Sohail, Urooj Mumtaz and Roshan Abeysinghe are listed for the series, while Bazid Khan will join the panel for the first ODI only.
Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan fast bowler, is due to come in from the second ODI and will stay until the end of the tournament. Zainab Abbas will lead the coverage as the presenter.
| Name | Role | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Butcher | Commentator | Full series |
| Aamir Sohail | Commentator | Full series |
| Waqar Younis | Commentator | From the 2nd ODI till the end |
| Bazid Khan | Commentator | First ODI only |
| Urooj Mumtaz | Commentator | Full series |
| Roshan Abeysinghe | Commentator | Full series |
| Zainab Abbas | Presenter | Full series |
MORE: Explained: Why Pakistan will wear pink jerseys against Sri Lanka in tri-series opener
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: Schedule
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Match | Oct. 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd Match | Oct. 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd Match | Oct. 22 | Sri Lanka vs England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 4th Match | Oct. 25 | Pakistan vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 5th Match | Oct. 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 6th Match | Oct. 29 | Sri Lanka vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Final | Oct. 31 | Top two teams | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
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