Pakistan to host Australia for three T20Is in 2026 World Cup build-up

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the schedule for the three-match T20I series against Australia, set to take place in Lahore ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. All the fixtures will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1.

The upcoming series will provide an ideal opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their preparations for the imminent global event in the subcontinent.

For the visitors, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Tim David are all recuperating from injuries, while Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi is also sidelined after picking up an injury in the Big Bash League recently.

The visiting Australian team will touch down in Lahore on January 28 in what will be their third trip to Pakistan since March-April 2022. Back then, Australia played three Tests, three ODIs, and a lone T20I. The one-off 20-over fixture in April 2022 was incidentally played at the same venue, which the visitors won after clinching the Test series but losing the ODIs.

Sumair Ahmed Syed, PCB COO, highlighted the series as a marquee event for Pakistan’s cricket 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 during the series to support both teams as they put the final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations,” he said in a release.

Pakistan will enter the series on the back of a drawn T20I series in Sri Lanka, while Australia are fresh after a dominant 4-1 win in the Ashes against England at home.

Pakistan vs Australia 2026 Fixtures

First T20I: January 29, Lahore

Second T20I: January 31, Lahore

Third T20I: February 1, Lahore

All matches start at 6:00PM, Pakistan Standard Time (PKT)