KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s 2026 cricket schedule includes ICC T20 World Cup, series against Australia, and tours to England and West Indies.
- The national team will face Sri Lanka in a crucial T20I series in January.
- Post-World Cup, Pakistan will host Australia and tour Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and West Indies.
- The year concludes with a Sri Lanka Test series and a visit by New Zealand.
ISLAMABAD: After Pakistan triumphed in the recently concluded tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on November 29, 2025, the national cricket team will take a well-deserved break for a month before resuming their international commitments.
The team’s first major assignment of 2026 will be a crucial T20I series against Sri Lanka in early January, aimed at fine-tuning their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
On Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the schedule for the national team’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s T20 side will compete in a three-match series in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11, 2026. This series is seen as a crucial opportunity for the team to fine-tune their preparations and gain momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.
February: ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7 and will run through March 8, 2026. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan is set to play all their group-stage matches in Colombo, including the opening match against The Netherlands on February 7, 2026, at the SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club) Ground.
In the event that Pakistan makes it to the semi-finals or the final, these matches will also take place in Colombo, adding to the excitement for the fans.
In addition to their World Cup campaign, Pakistan will face Australia in a 3-match T20I series from January 30 to February 5, 2026, in Pakistan, just ahead of the World Cup.
March-April: Series Against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will host Australia for a 3-match ODI series from March 13 to 19, 2026.
Pakistan will be touring Bangladesh for a series that includes two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is, which will take place in March and April 2026.
Next, Zimbabwe will visit Pakistan for a series of three ODIs and three T20Is in April-May 2026, giving Pakistan a solid chance to further develop their squad and strengthen their game in preparation for future challenges.
July-August: West Indies Tour
Pakistan’s cricketing journey will continue with a visit to the West Indies for a two-Test match series in July-August 2026.
The series will provide a test for Pakistan’s endurance and adaptability in the Caribbean conditions.
August-September: England Tour
In a high-profile series, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test match bilateral series in August-September 2026.
This tour will be vital for Pakistan to gauge their strength in one of the most challenging cricketing environments in the world.
October: Sri Lanka and Tri-Series with England
Back at home in Pakistan, the month of October will see Sri Lanka return for a three-match T20I series.
Additionally, England will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for a thrilling tri-series of ODIs.
This series will feature exciting matchups between the three teams and serve as a key preparation for all sides ahead of future international tournaments.
November: Sri Lanka Test Series and New Zealand’s Visit
The year will conclude with Sri Lanka visiting Pakistan for a two-match Test series in November 2026. This will be an important series for Pakistan’s Test side, as they aim to solidify their position in the longer format.
To wrap up the year, New Zealand will visit Pakistan for a two-Test match series. The series is expected to be a challenging but valuable test for Pakistan, ensuring they end the year on a competitive note.
2026 in Summary:
Pakistan’s cricket calendar for 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting and demanding years in recent history.
The team will face high-stakes encounters in all three formats, with the ICC T20 World Cup being the marquee event.
The series against top cricketing nations like Australia, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand will provide Pakistan with opportunities to showcase their talent and prepare for future global tournaments.
Key Fixtures to Watch:
- January 7-11, 2026: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (T20I series, Dambulla)
- February 7-March 8, 2026: ICC T20 World Cup, Pakistan matches in Colombo
- March 13-19, 2026: Pakistan vs Australia (ODI series)
- March-April 2026: Pakistan Tour to Bangladesh (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)
- April-May 2026: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)
- July-August 2026: Pakistan Tour to West Indies (2 Tests)
- August-September 2026: Pakistan vs England (3 Tests)
- October 2026: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (3 T20Is), Tri-series with England (ODIs)
- November 2026: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (2 Tests), Pakistan vs New Zealand (2 Tests)
With so much international cricket ahead, Pakistan’s players and fans alike have much to look forward to in the 2026 calendar year.
