Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a three-match T20I series in January as part of their build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Both cricket boards have reportedly finalized the plan, with the fixtures expected to take place from January 8 to 12 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
Proposed Schedule for Pakistan’s Tour of Sri Lanka
Match
Date
Venue
1st T20I
January 8, 2026
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
2nd T20I
January 10, 2026
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
3rd T20I
January 12, 2026
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
The 2026 T20 World Cup will run from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Under the Hybrid Model, Pakistan will play their entire campaign in Sri Lanka.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) remained in close contact in recent weeks to lock in the series details, which are now largely confirmed.
The short tour will offer Pakistan valuable match practice in conditions similar to those they will face during the World Cup, helping the squad finalize roles and settle combinations before the mega event.
All matches have been allotted to Dambulla due to renovation work underway at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ahead of the World Cup. This ongoing upgradation has also pushed back the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), originally slated for the November–December period.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is set to take on Pakistan in the final of the T20I tri-series. Pakistan has already sealed a spot in the final, while Sri Lanka booked their place in the final by beating Pakistan in a virtual semi-final on November 27.
