England Lions v Pakistan Shaheens 2025/26

England Lions v Pakistan Shaheens is not a formal, recurring tournament with a permanent trophy or set calendar. Instead, it is an ad-hoc bilateral series arranged for player development between the second-tier national squads of England and Pakistan. The fixture operates outside the official International Cricket Council (ICC) framework, meaning the matches do not carry full international status or ranking points.

The contest typically takes the form of unofficial One Day Internationals, also known as List A, alongside unofficial Twenty20 Internationals. These games are played in a straight head-to-head format rather than a league or knockout structure. Due to political tensions that prevent direct travel between the two nations, matches are most frequently held in neutral venues, primarily the United Arab Emirates.

The England Lions side, governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), was established in 1982. Originally named England B and later England A, the team received its current title in June 2007. The opposing side, Pakistan Shaheens, was formerly known as Pakistan A. Governed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the squad dates back to 1964 before adopting its present name in the early 2010s.

Historical encounters have occurred during tours in 1995–96, 2009–10, 2015–16, and 2018–19. Recent activity includes a 2025–26 series where England Lions secured the T20I leg 3–0, while the List A component was largely cancelled due to regional security concerns. These matches serve as a critical pathway for emerging talent, distinct from senior international fixtures.