Pakistan Shaheens are set to return to Darwin, Australia, for their third consecutive participation in the Top End T20 Series, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday.
The annual tournament continues to serve as a crucial platform for grooming Pakistan’s emerging cricket talent, offering these young players international exposure in competitive T20 environments.
The 2025 edition of the series is scheduled from August 14 to 24, with the Shaheens opening their campaign against Bangladesh ‘A’ at TIO Stadium on the first day.
The tournament will see an expanded roster, featuring 11 teams playing 36 Twenty20 matches across five venues: DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena, and Freds Pass. Organizers are expected to release further details regarding the full schedule and participating teams in the coming weeks.
The Pakistan Shaheens have shown consistent growth and strong performances in the past two editions of the tournament. In 2023, they reached the final, while in 2024, they progressed to the semi-finals.
These performances have underlined their ability to compete with international ‘A’ teams and local sides, reinforcing the importance of the series in shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, confirmed the team’s participation and viewed it as a significant opportunity for the country’s emerging players to gain experience.
He acknowledged the role of Northern Territory Cricket in providing a high-standard and professional environment that supports player development.
Meanwhile, Gavin Dovey, the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, also welcomed the participation of teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He emphasized the broader vision behind the tournament, which aims not only to provide quality cricket but also to promote the Northern Territory as a desirable location for tourism, lifestyle, employment, and education. He believed cricket’s global reach makes it an ideal tool for regional promotion.
The Top End T20 Series continues to offer Pakistan’s upcoming cricketers vital match practice while also promoting international camaraderie through sport. Cricket enthusiasts in both Australia and Pakistan eagerly await the high-energy contests expected from this year’s edition.