When Pakistan Cricket Board announced the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka Cricket for late 2025, few expected the broadcast landscape to be this fragmented — and yet, so revealing of cricket’s global fan economy. The series, set to begin just days after the conclusion of the T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi, marks a rare moment when two historic rivals meet on Pakistani soil with no major Indian TV broadcaster in the picture. For millions of Indian fans, that’s not a problem — thanks to Pro Sports YouTube, which will stream every ball for free, ad-supported. It’s not the glossy production of Star Sports or Sony, but it’s access. And in cricket-crazed India, access is everything.
Why This Series Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
Pakistan enters this ODI series on a high: a 2-1 win over South Africa in both T20Is and ODIs, with the team showing cohesion under pressure. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, comes in as the quiet achievers — having won 2-0 against Zimbabwe in August and 2-1 against Bangladesh in July. Their last ODI series before this? A clean sweep. But here’s the twist: Sri Lanka’s squad is still reshaping itself after losing key players to retirement and injury. Their captain, still unnamed in official releases, will be under pressure to deliver a performance that signals a new era.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s recent dominance over Sri Lanka in the ongoing T20I Tri-Series — including a seven-wicket thrashing on November 22 — adds psychological weight. That match, played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, drew over 28,000 fans. The atmosphere? Electric. And now, the same ground will host the first ODI of this series, likely on December 1 or 2, though exact dates remain unconfirmed.
Where to Watch: A Global Patchwork of Access
Here’s the reality: there’s no single global broadcaster. Instead, cricket fans are navigating a patchwork of platforms — each country its own ecosystem.
- India: No traditional TV rights. Instead, Pro Sports YouTube will carry all three ODIs live, mirroring its arrangement for the Pakistan-South Africa series. Expect ads, but no paywall. The same channel also streamed the T20I Tri-Series match on November 27 at 6:30 PM IST — a game Pakistan won by 12 runs.
- Pakistan: A Sports and Ten Sports will broadcast on TV, while Tapmad and Tamasha offer mobile and web streaming. Both platforms are popular for domestic cricket but have expanded their international reach since the South Africa tour.
- Sri Lanka: Dialog Television’s The Papare 1 and The Papare 1 HD channels are the official broadcasters. The Dialog ViU+ app provides live streaming with multi-language commentary — Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
- United Kingdom: The Pakistan Cricket Board launched its own OTT app, PCB Live, specifically for this series. It’s a bold move — bypassing traditional UK rights holders like Sky Sports — and signals a growing trend: national boards becoming direct-to-consumer distributors.
- Other Regions: In the Middle East, PTV Sports and beIN Sports may carry the matches. In Australia, Fox Sports typically picks up bilateral series involving Pakistan, but no confirmation yet. Fans in Canada and the US should check Willow TV or Cricbuzz Live.
The Bigger Picture: Why PCB Is Going Direct
The launch of PCB Live isn’t just about this series. It’s a strategic pivot. For years, international cricket rights have been locked in multi-million dollar deals with global networks — often leaving smaller markets out. But with YouTube and OTT platforms offering cheaper, scalable alternatives, boards like Pakistan’s are testing a new model: cut out the middleman, keep more revenue, and build direct fan relationships.
This mirrors what Cricket Australia did with Kayo, and what the BCCI did with Disney+ Hotstar. But Pakistan’s move is more aggressive — and riskier. If the app crashes during the first match, or if buffering ruins the experience for UK fans, the backlash could be swift. Yet if it works, it could become a blueprint for other emerging cricket nations.
What’s Next? The Tri-Series Shadow
Even as fans gear up for the ODIs, the T20I Tri-Series — featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe — is still alive. The final match, scheduled for November 29, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will determine whether Sri Lanka qualifies for the final. They need to beat Pakistan on November 27 to stay alive. That match, broadcast in India via Sony Sports Network and FanCode, is already drawing pre-match buzz.
For Sri Lanka, the ODI series is a chance to reset. For Pakistan, it’s about momentum. And for viewers? It’s about figuring out where to click next. No single platform has it all. That’s the new normal.
Behind the Scenes: The Missing Details
Oddly enough, despite all the chatter, no official match schedule has been released. The dates are estimated based on the T20I Tri-Series timeline — which ends on November 29 — and the typical 2-3 day gap between formats. The ODIs are expected to be played on December 1, 3, and 5, all at 6:30 PM IST. But until the PCB confirms, it’s educated guesswork. The toss? Always at 6:00 PM. The weather? Rawalpindi in early December is cool, dry — perfect for cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs for free in India?
Yes. The Pro Sports YouTube channel will stream all three ODIs live without any subscription fee. This mirrors the arrangement used during the Pakistan-South Africa series. While the stream includes ads, it’s the only legal, free option available in India. No Indian TV channel holds broadcast rights for this series.
Why isn’t Star Sports or Sony broadcasting the ODIs in India?
The rights for bilateral series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are typically sold separately from major multi-nation tournaments. In 2025, no Indian broadcaster secured the rights, likely due to lower projected viewership compared to India-Pakistan or India-Sri Lanka clashes. This opened the door for Pro Sports, which leverages YouTube’s global reach to fill the gap.
What’s the difference between the T20I Tri-Series and the upcoming ODI series?
The T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe) is a separate, short-format competition ending on November 29, 2025. The ODI series is a three-match, 50-over format that follows immediately after. They involve different squads, formats, and broadcast partners. The ODIs are official ICC-designated matches, while the Tri-Series is a bilateral arrangement.
Is the PCB Live app available outside the UK?
Yes. The PCB Live app is accessible globally, though its primary target is UK and European audiences who lack traditional broadcast options. It requires a free registration and works on iOS, Android, and web browsers. Geo-blocking may apply in countries where local broadcasters hold rights, such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
When will the exact dates for the ODIs be announced?
As of November 27, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board has not released the official schedule. Based on historical patterns and the conclusion of the T20I Tri-Series on November 29, the ODIs are expected to begin on December 1, 2025, with matches likely on December 1, 3, and 5. Fans should monitor the PCB’s official website and social media for confirmation.
How has Sri Lanka’s performance changed since their last ODI series?
Since their 2-1 win over Bangladesh in July 2025, Sri Lanka has rotated its squad heavily. Key players like Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva have been rested, while younger players like Matheesha Pathirana and Kamindu Mendis have been promoted. Their recent T20I Tri-Series results — one win, two losses — suggest they’re still finding their footing, making this ODI series a crucial test of their rebuilding phase.
