Pakistan’s ODI Tri-Series in Trouble? Zimbabwe Set to Pull Out Ahead of January 2027

The planned ODI tri-series in Pakistan featuring Zimbabwe and Ireland is likely to be scrapped after Zimbabwe’s participation fell through, with the two sides reportedly unable to finalize arrangements for the January 2027 tour.

Zimbabwe’s withdrawal is understood to be linked to commercial reasons, according to ESPNcricinfo. The Zimbabwe Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are believed to be discussing an alternative window that could allow the tour to take place at a later date.

The proposed competition was initially scheduled to feature Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland in a triangular 50-over series in Pakistan. However, with Zimbabwe no longer expected to travel, the tournament is now likely to be replaced by a bilateral white-ball series between Pakistan and Ireland.

Cricket Ireland has confirmed that discussions with the PCB are ongoing as both boards work to revise the original schedule.

“The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly,” a Cricket Ireland spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.

A one-off Test between Pakistan and Ireland had also been under consideration as part of the planned tour. However, that possibility now appears increasingly unlikely as both sides reassess their schedules and priorities.

For Pakistan, the change comes at a time when the team is looking to play more ODI cricket ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.

Pakistan already have a busy ODI calendar ahead. The team is scheduled to host Sri Lanka and England in a tri-series next month, while a five-match ODI series against Bangladesh is also being planned. Pakistan are also scheduled to play a five-match ODI series in England next summer.

The potential bilateral series against Ireland could therefore provide Pakistan with another opportunity to strengthen their preparations in the 50-over format.

For Ireland, the Pakistan tour could be particularly important as the team prepares for the World Cup qualifying campaign in February. Ireland will be aiming to secure a place in the 2027 World Cup and could use the matches against Pakistan as valuable preparation ahead of the qualifiers.

The proposed change also highlights the challenges involved in organizing international cricket schedules, where commercial considerations, player workloads and competing commitments can affect previously planned tours.

While the ODI tri-series appears unlikely to go ahead in its original format, Pakistan and Ireland are still expected to meet in a revised white-ball schedule. The final dates, format and number of matches are expected to be announced once the two cricket boards complete their discussions.