LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will visit Darwin, Australia later this year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday.

“This year’s edition of the Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from Aug 14 to 24 with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match of the tournament on Aug 14 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin,” the PCB said.

“The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena and Freds Pass. More details will be announced by the tournament organisers in due course,” it added.

Shaheens toured Darwin in 2023 and 2024 to feature in the Top End T20 Series.

In the 2023 edition, Shaheens qualified for the final while in last year’s event, they featured in the first semi-final.

Speaking on the said series, PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said, “We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens’ participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year. This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions.

“We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.”

NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey expressed his delight over the participation of the teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game,” Dovey said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2025