Sky Sports has confirmed that it will air the full England one‑day international (ODI) tri‑series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka this October, offering comprehensive live coverage of every match. The agreement, struck between Sky Sports and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), guarantees that all seven fixtures, which will be played across the venues of Lahore and Rawalpindi, will be transmitted live on Sky Sports channels as well as the streaming platform NOW.
The format of the competition sees each of the three nations face the other twice, creating a total of six round‑robin games. The two teams that finish highest on the points table will then contest a final on 31 October, also held in Lahore.
This structure ensures a balanced schedule, with each side having the opportunity to adjust tactics after the first encounter and to showcase depth in both batting and bowling line‑ups. England’s squad, led by the newly appointed captain Harry Brook, features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent.
The roster includes fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Mason Crane, versatile all‑rounders such as Sam Curran and Adil Rashid, and a strong top order comprising Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, and the seasoned Joe Root. Additional options like Sonny Baker, Liam Dawson, Henry Crocombe, and Josh Tongue provide depth and flexibility, allowing the side to adapt to varying pitch conditions and opposition strategies throughout the series. The opening encounter will take place in Rawalpindi on 20 October, where England will meet Pakistan in a high‑stakes contest that promises to set the tone for the tournament.
Two days later, on 22 October, the English side will travel to the same ground to face Sri Lanka, offering a quick turnaround that will test the squad’s fitness and tactical acumen. After a brief interval, the team will head to Lahore for the next set of fixtures.
On 25 October, England will once again clash with Pakistan, this time in the larger, more iconic Lahore venue, followed by a match against Sri Lanka on 29 October. The culmination of the series, the final, is scheduled for 31 October at the same Lahore stadium, providing a fitting climax to a tightly packed schedule.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the tri‑series, these matches serve a broader purpose for England’s cricketing roadmap. They form a crucial segment of the preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By competing in sub‑continental conditions—characterised by slower pitches, spin‑friendly surfaces, and humid weather—England can fine‑tune its strategies, assess player form, and experiment with combinations that may prove decisive in the World Cup.
The experience gained against two strong Asian teams will be invaluable, especially for younger players who are still adapting to the nuances of international cricket in the region. England’s recent ODI record adds a layer of confidence to their campaign.
The side has just completed two successful series on home soil, defeating both India and Sri Lanka 2‑1 earlier in the summer. Those victories highlighted the effectiveness of Brook’s leadership and the depth of talent within the squad, reinforcing the belief that England can compete at the highest level across varied conditions. Maintaining this momentum in Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be essential for building a winning culture ahead of the 2027 World Cup. For fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland, all matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming service, with start times listed in local UK and Irish time zones.
This comprehensive coverage underscores Sky Sports’ continued commitment to being the premier destination for cricket broadcasting. The network already holds exclusive rights to all England men’s and women’s international fixtures, as well as key domestic competitions. In addition to the tri‑series, Sky will also televise England’s forthcoming tour of South Africa later this winter and the highly anticipated Ashes series on home soil next summer. The partnership between Sky Sports and the PCB not only expands the viewing options for cricket enthusiasts but also strengthens the commercial ties between English and Pakistani cricket administrations.
By delivering high‑quality production, expert commentary, and in‑depth analysis, Sky Sports aims to enhance the spectator experience, making the sport more accessible and engaging for a global audience. In summary, the October ODI tri‑series offers England a vital platform to test its squad against formidable opponents, sharpen its skills in challenging environments, and build momentum toward future global tournaments. With full live coverage assured on Sky Sports and NOW, fans can follow every ball, every wicket, and every strategic decision as Harry Brook’s men embark on this pivotal chapter of their international campaign.