Lahore/Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed Australia’s three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) tour of Pakistan, with all fixtures scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from January 29 to February 1, 2026.
According to the PCB, all three matches will begin at 6:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time, marking one of the most high-profile bilateral T20 series on Pakistan’s home calendar ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
T20I Series Schedule (All at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):
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1st T20I: January 29, 2026
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2nd T20I: January 31, 2026
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3rd T20I: February 1, 2026
The Australia national cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on January 28, while Pakistan’s training camp will commence earlier on January 19, allowing both sides adequate preparation time ahead of the series.
The tour is part of broader preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where Pakistan has been placed in Group A, while Australia will compete in Group B. The Lahore series is expected to help both teams fine-tune combinations and assess playing conditions under lights in the subcontinent.
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PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed described the series as a “blockbuster beginning” to Pakistan’s 2026 international season, emphasizing the board’s commitment to hosting top-tier cricket at home and strengthening Pakistan’s position as a reliable venue for international teams.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
Australia’s upcoming visit adds another chapter to a long-standing cricketing relationship between the two nations. Since 1956, Australia has toured Pakistan at least eight times, making them one of the most frequent visitors to the country among major cricketing nations.
From their first Test tour in the 1950s to modern-era limited-overs contests, Australia’s repeated returns underline the depth of bilateral cricket ties. In recent years, their tours—particularly since 2022—have also played a significant role in reinforcing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket safely and successfully.
With strong crowd interest expected at Gaddafi Stadium and global attention ahead of the T20 World Cup, the January series is likely to be a key highlight of Pakistan’s cricketing calendar.
