Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has admitted that his team faces a formidable challenge ahead of the upcoming one-day international tri-series against England and Sri Lanka, which will be played across venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The tournament is scheduled to run from October 18 to 31, providing home fans with weeks of high-level international cricket. Matches will follow a double round-robin format before the top two teams battle for the trophy.
Rawalpindi will host the opening three fixtures of the competition. The action will then shift to Lahore for the remaining four matches, culminating in the grand finale at the Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
Pakistan enter the multi-nation tournament shortly after completing a home T20I series against Sri Lanka. The hosts secured a 2-1 victory in that short format before dropping the final encounter.
Sri Lanka avoided a series whitewash by claiming victory in the third T20I in Rawalpindi on Tuesday night. That result gave the visiting side a timely boost of confidence ahead of the longer format fixtures.
Pakistan have named a 16-player squad for the tri-series, retaining nine players who featured in the recent T20 matches. Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the side throughout the campaign.
The squad also features senior batters such as Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, alongside all-rounder Salman Ali Agha. Other notable inclusions are wicketkeepers Saad Baig and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
The bowling department boasts considerable depth with fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Spin options include Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim, and Arafat Minhas.
Hesson acknowledged that the squad features a different blend of players compared to the T20 setup. He expressed excitement about working with a group possessing more experience in specific tactical areas.
Reflecting on the team's trajectory, the head coach noted that the 50-over side has made noticeable progress over the past six months. He emphasized the necessity of sustaining that upward curve against elite opposition.
Hesson specifically highlighted the calibre of the opposing teams participating in the tournament. He pointed out that Sri Lanka gained significant momentum from their recent victory, while England arrive as the top-ranked side globally.
"Well, look, a different group of players. You know, some slightly more experience in certain areas. But look, I'm excited," Hesson told reporters following the conclusion of the T20I series.
"I mean, our one-day side made some good progress in the last six months. We've got to continue that," the coach added regarding the team's readiness for the upcoming matches.
Discussing the global standing of their opponents, Hesson noted the formidable nature of the challenge. "Certainly against the Sri Lankan side, who would have got some confidence tonight, and obviously an England side who's currently number one in the world."
"So it's going to be a tough tri-series, one we're looking forward to," Hesson concluded, setting a positive tone for his players ahead of the opening fixture.
Pakistan's recent form in the 50-over format has experienced various fluctuations across different series. In November 2025, the team secured a dominant 3-0 home sweep against Sri Lanka.
Continuing their home success later that same month, Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in a hard-fought series. However, their fortunes dipped during an away assignment in March 2026.
Playing away from home against Bangladesh, Pakistan suffered a 2-1 series defeat. They managed a swift recovery during May and June 2026, overcoming Australia 2-1 on home pitches.
England enter the tri-series on the back of an impressive sequence of series victories. The visitors have claimed their last three ODI assignments, defeating Sri Lanka and India at home alongside an away series win in Sri Lanka.
Conversely, Sri Lanka have experienced a challenging period in the format. The island nation has suffered defeats in three of their last four bilateral ODI series prior to this tournament.
Pakistan's squad was scheduled to assemble in Islamabad on Wednesday to begin preparations. Attention will undoubtedly focus on how the team adapts to the demands of a double round-robin schedule.
Particular intrigue surrounds young fast bowler Razaullah, who earned a call-up after featuring in two T20Is against Sri Lanka. The coaching staff plans to work closely on his consistency and discipline.
Hesson praised the raw attributes of the fast bowler, noting his genuine pace. Even experienced batsmen like Kusal Mendis struggled against his speed during the recent matches.
"I think, you know, when I think of Pakistan cricket, I think of pace and I think of unusual actions," Hesson remarked regarding the emergence of the young quick.
"And, you know, he's fresh, and he's raw, but he's got genuine pace. And even Kusal Mendis, who plays pace well, got done for pace on a few occasions," the coach observed.
Hesson believes the fast bowler will improve significantly with sustained opportunities at the international level. He highlighted the presence of bowling coach Shaun Tait as a vital asset for the youngster's development.
"We've got Shaun Tait now, a chance for someone with, obviously a similar action to be able to work with him," Hesson explained. The mentorship aims to help Razaullah refine his lengths and master executing bouncers and yorkers.
The full Pakistan ODI squad comprises Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain, alongside Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman.
The selection is rounded out by Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Sufiyan Moqim.
With preparations underway in Islamabad, the team aims to harness their home advantage against two world-class competitors. The opening matches in Rawalpindi will provide the initial barometer for their readiness.
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