KEY POINTS
- PCB shifted start times of three Pakistan-Australia T20Is from 6:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST).
- The series is crucial preparation for both teams ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.
- Series marks Australia’s third tour of Pakistan since 2022.
LAHORE, Pakistan: In response to severe weather conditions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant revision to the match schedule for the upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia.
All games, to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will now start two hours earlier than originally planned.
New start time for all matches
The PCB confirmed on Saturday that the matches scheduled for January 29, 31, and February 1 will now begin at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).
The toss will take place at 3:30 PM. This is a substantial change from the initial schedule, which had listed the start time as 6:00 PM with the toss at 5:30 PM.
The board cited “extreme weather conditions” as the reason for the adjustment, a move likely aimed at avoiding the coldest hours of the evening for players and spectators.
Preparation for T20 World Cup
The bilateral series serves as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which begins on February 7.
Pakistan finds itself in the high-profile Group A alongside arch-rivals India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia.
Australia, meanwhile, will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Australia’s third visit in recent years
This tour marks Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since their historic return in 2022 for a full-fledged Test and limited-overs series.
They also participated in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 held in Pakistan.
Historically, the T20I rivalry between the two sides is closely contested. Out of 28 meetings, Australia holds a narrow edge with 14 wins to Pakistan’s 12, with one tie and one no-result.
The series is expected to be a competitive tune-up as both powerhouses finalize their combinations for the global tournament next month.
