Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026: Full T20I schedule announced
Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series from January 8–12, 2026, in Dambulla as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup. Full schedule and details here.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a three-match T20I series in January 2026, with both boards finalising the schedule as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The series is expected to run from January 8 to 12, with all matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan are set to play all their fixtures on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model. The arrangement ensures Pakistan and India avoid touring each other during ICC events, while still allowing them to compete at neutral venues.
Sources close to the development have confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant talks over the short series, which has now been tentatively finalised. The matches will provide Pakistan crucial match time in subcontinental conditions just weeks before the global tournament. With pitches in Dambulla expected to mirror those used during the World Cup, the series will help Pakistan fine-tune combinations and adapt to local surfaces.
Renovation Work Forces Shift to Dambulla as Sri Lanka Fight for Tri-Series Final Spot
The decision to host all three matches in Dambulla comes amid ongoing renovation work at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. These upgrades, being carried out ahead of the World Cup, have also forced SLC to postpone the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), originally planned for the November–December window.
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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are currently in Pakistan as part of a competitive T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe. Pakistan have already sealed a place in the final, while Sri Lanka must win their final group match, and by a significant margin, to stay in contention. Zimbabwe hold second place with one win from four matches, while Sri Lanka remain third with a net run rate of –1.324.
Tentative Schedule – Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 8 January 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd T20I | 10 January 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd T20I | 12 January 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium |
The short series promises high-intensity preparation for both sides as they gear up for the biggest T20 event of the year.
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