Pakistan's preparations for the seven-match ODI tri-series kicked off in earnest on Thursday as the national side held its first training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tri-series, featuring Sri Lanka and England, runs from 18 to 31 October across Rawalpindi and Lahore, with Pakistan opening their campaign against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Fresh from a 2-1 T20I series win over the same opponents under the captaincy of Sahibzada Farhan, the hosts have switched into 50-over mode with most of the squad now assembled. The PCB shared training footage on its official social channels, and the early signs point to a focused, high-energy start to the home season.

Seven members of the ODI squad reported to the team hotel before training, headlined by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and star batter Babar Azam. They were joined by all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha, fast bowler Haris Rauf, and wicketkeeper-batters Saad Baig and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Shaheen retains the ODI captaincy after the T20I interlude, and his combination with Babar at the core of the side will define much of Pakistan's approach. The depth in the spin department also stands out, with Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim all included alongside the new-ball threat of Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

The Thursday training session offered the first look at Pakistan's thinking under the coaching staff, with newly-appointed bowling coach Shaun Tait overseeing fast bowlers Razaullah and Shaheen during the nets. Batting and fielding drills followed under the supervision of the wider coaching group. Sri Lanka also trained at the same venue, with both sides scheduled for afternoon sessions from 4 p.m. local time. England, the third team in the tournament, are expected to arrive on Friday, and their first session will complete the tournament's cast of preparations.

Tactically, Pakistan look settled and well-balanced for home conditions. Babar's return to the 50-over setup after missing the T20Is shores up the top order, while the emergence of young batters such as Hasan Nawaz, whose ranking surge made headlines this week, gives the selectors welcome selection pressure in the middle order. The pace attack remains the obvious weapon, particularly in Rawalpindi where October pitches traditionally offer early seam movement. Captain Shaheen's form and leadership will be the barometer of Pakistan's title chances across the two legs.

The tournament structure gives Pakistan a familiar rhythm: three matches in Rawalpindi, then the action shifts to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for the remaining group games and the final on 31 October. The full itinerary reads 18 October Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 20 October Pakistan v England, 22 October Sri Lanka v England in Rawalpindi, before the Lahore leg of 25 October Pakistan v England, 27 October Pakistan v Sri Lanka and 29 October Sri Lanka v England. The top two sides advance to the final. A full schedule breakdown and venue guide is available in our Pak vs Sri ODI tri-series preview, which also covers broadcast details for fans in Pakistan.

The hosts enter as favourites, and few would argue against that billing. Home advantage, a settled squad, and a pace attack built for October conditions in Rawalpindi are powerful assets. But England's arrival and Sri Lanka's spin-heavy plans for the Lahore leg mean nothing is decided yet. Fantasy players should study the conditions angle closely, starting with our 1st ODI Dream11 fantasy XI and captaincy guide, which factors in the dew, the toss, and the likely playing combinations for Sunday's opener.