Cricket Australia (CA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have joined hands to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7.
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Australia’s short tour of Pakistan is now officially locked in, with the PCB confirming the full schedule for the upcoming three-match T20I series on January 14.
Pakistan vs Australia T20I series confirmed ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The PCB has confirmed that the three-match T20I series will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, January 31, and February 1, with all matches being held in the evening. The Australian squad is set to land in Lahore on January 28, just a day before the series opener in Lahore.
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Security and preparations are already in place as Pakistan is all set to host Australia as their first guest in 2026. The upcoming Pakistan-Australia T20I series holds strong importance for both teams as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Key ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up as teams sit in different groups
Pakistan and Australia are placed in different groups for the global tournament, so this T20I series is valuable for fine-tuning combinations and testing players under match pressure. Notably, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA.
On the other hand, Australia is slotted in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman, and Sri Lanka. While Pakistan will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Australia will take on Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Well, this tour will mark Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since 2022. However, they have played only one T20I match at the Gaddafi Stadium and recorded a three-wicket victory in April 2022.
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PCB calls Australia tour a big start to Pakistan’s 2026 year
Meanwhile, the PCB COO Sumair Ahmed Syed has expressed excitement about hosting Australia for the upcoming T20I series in Lahore. He said that the tour is a big start to the year for Pakistan cricket and a special moment for fans as both teams prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The PCB COO said in an official statement, “We are excited and look forward to hosting Australia for the three-match T20I series here in Lahore. The tour marks a blockbuster beginning of the year for Pakistan cricket fans, and I urge them to turn out in numbers during the series to support both teams as they put the final touches on their T20 World Cup preparations.
I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for the Australian cricket team, as they have played a Test, five ODIs, and a T20I here since March 2022.”
Schedule for Pakistan vs Australia Series:
January 29: 1st T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
January 31: 2nd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 1: 3rd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
