Pakistan Announces January T20I Tour to Sri Lanka as World Cup Preparations Intensify

Pakistan to Tour Sri Lanka for T20I Series Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Three-Match Series Scheduled for Dambulla

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the national team will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 for a three-match T20 International series. All fixtures will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on January 7, 9, and 11.

Strategic Build-Up to Global Event

The tour is a designated part of Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The PCB stated the series will provide “valuable match practice” ahead of the tournament, where Pakistan has been drawn in Group A and will play all its matches in Colombo.

Following a Successful Home Season

The announcement concludes a highly successful 2025 home season for Pakistan. The team secured series victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka across formats, losing only three matches in total. Their campaign culminated in winning a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe last Saturday.

The national team will now take a month-long break before the Sri Lanka tour. Following the away series, Pakistan is expected to host Australia for another T20I series just prior to the World Cup.