Pakistan cricket fans have seen this movie before: high hopes shattered by off-field drama, leading to lean schedules and a dip in form. As November 15, 2025, dawns with the third ODI against Sri Lanka looming, whispers are growing louder — is the Men in Green sliding back into one of those infamous “difficult periods” that have plagued the team for decades? Recent setbacks, including a shocking cancellation from neighbors and reliance on lower-ranked visitors, paint a worrying picture for a side desperate to rebuild momentum ahead of major tournaments.
Afghanistan’s Sudden Pullout and Security Jitters
Just weeks ago, a planned T20I tri-series looked set to inject life into Pakistan’s home season. But tragedy struck when Afghanistan’s cricket board abruptly withdrew, citing the deaths of three domestic players in cross-border incidents blamed on airstrikes. The move left organizers scrambling, forcing a quick pivot to invite Zimbabwe as a replacement. All matches were shifted to a single venue in Rawalpindi under heavy security — a stark reminder that Pakistan’s long battle to host international cricket remains fragile.
This isn’t the first time geopolitical tensions have robbed Pakistan of fixtures. With top teams still hesitant due to past incidents, the calendar often fills with series against associates or mid-tier nations. The Afghanistan saga highlights how quickly plans can unravel, leaving players with fewer high-intensity games and fans starved for big rivalries.
Is Pakistan Heading Into Another Rough Patch?
Look at the recent record, and the signs are ominous. Pakistan started strong in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka, clinching the first match by a narrow 6 runs behind Salman Ali Agha’s all-round heroics, then dominating the second with an 8-wicket chase powered by Babar Azam’s long-awaited century. But zoom out: earlier in 2025, humiliating defeats — including series losses to West Indies in Tests and struggles in multi-nation events — exposed batting frailties and bowling inconsistencies.
The team has tumbled in rankings across formats, with critics pointing to constant captaincy changes, selection drama, and lack of exposure against elite sides. Home advantage, once a fortress, now feels diluted without packed stadiums buzzing for marquee clashes. If the upcoming T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe yields routine wins without real tests, it could mask deeper issues heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka: Reliable Allies Stepping Up Once Again
Enter the saviors: Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, two teams that have repeatedly said yes when others hesitated. Despite a recent blast in the capital raising alarms, both boards committed to the tour, with Sri Lanka’s players opting to stay mid-series and Zimbabwe arriving under tight protection. The revised T20I tri-nation kicks off November 18 with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe, followed by a round-robin format culminating in a November 29 final — all in Rawalpindi.
This isn’t new goodwill. Over the years, these sides have been Pakistan’s most frequent visitors during isolation periods, providing crucial match practice and revenue. Their presence ensures the show goes on, offering emerging talents valuable exposure and veterans like Babar and Rizwan chances to fine-tune before bigger battles.
How These Tours Became Lifelines After Afghanistan’s Exit
The Afghanistan withdrawal could have derailed the entire home summer, leaving a gaping hole in preparations for global events. But Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka’s swift agreement transformed potential disaster into opportunity. By filling the tri-series slot, they not only kept the calendar intact but boosted morale — players get competitive games, broadcasters secure content, and fans witness live action.
In the broader picture, these visits reinforce Pakistan’s push to normalize hosting. Successful series build confidence among hesitant boards, paving the way for more tours. For a team rebuilding under pressure, facing spirited opponents like Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe or Wanindu Hasaranga’s Sri Lanka sharpens skills without the overwhelming spotlight of India or Australia clashes.
Rebuild or Repeat History?
Pakistan cricket has bounced back from darker days before, turning limited opportunities into triumphs. The current setup — a confident ODI series lead and an upcoming T20 fest — could spark a revival. Young guns mixing with experienced campaigners have shown flashes of brilliance, like the clinical chase in the second Sri Lanka ODI.
Over-reliance on a few stars, fitness concerns, and that nagging schedule gap from big-team absences. If Pakistan dominates the tri-series convincingly, it sends a message of resilience. But slip-ups against “minnows” would fuel the “difficult period” narrative louder than ever.
In Pakistan cricket, drama is never far away. With loyal friends like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka keeping the flame alive, the Green Shirts have a platform to silence doubters. The question is — will they seize it, or let history repeat?
