Pakistan to host Australia for T20I series ahead of 2026 World Cup

The three-match series in Lahore, beginning January 29, gives both teams a final tune-up before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 T20I series schedule featuring three matches on January 29, January 31, and February 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Photo Credit: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the schedule for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan later this month. The three-match T20I series will be held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 29 January, 31 January, and 1 February.

The Australia T20I squad is set to arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January. Each match will begin with a 5:30pm PKT toss, followed by the first ball at 6:00pm PKT.

Key preparation ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

This series provides valuable match practice for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan is placed in Group A while Australia finds itself in Group B of the global tournament.

Australia’s upcoming visit marks their third trip to Pakistan since 2022. Their last T20I at Gaddafi Stadium was played on 5 April 2022, where they defeated Pakistan by three wickets in a closely contested match.

PCB COO Sumair Ahmed Syed on Australia tour

Sumair Ahmed Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, welcomed the Australian team and fans:

“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 to support both teams as they finalize preparations for the T20 World Cup.”

“I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for the Australian cricket team, having already played a Test, five ODIs, and a T20I here since March 2022.”

Australia’s recent history in Pakistan

Australia last visited Pakistan in March–April 2022 for a multi-format series including Tests, ODIs, and a T20I. More recently, they played three of their matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Pakistan vs Australia T20I Series Schedule (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

  • 1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January 20266:00 PM PKT
  • 2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January 20266:00 PM PKT
  • 3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February 20266:00 PM PKT

The high-stakes T20I series is expected to draw strong crowds as two T20 powerhouses fine-tune their squads and strategies ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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