Australia to tour Pakistan before leaving for T20 World Cup 2026, Know full schedule here

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on January 14 that Australia is set to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20 International series in Lahore. This short series will serve as a final preparation for both squads ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Australian contingent is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on January 28, just one day before the action begins.

Australia to play T20I series against Pakistan

The matches are scheduled as day-night encounters at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, taking place on January 29, January 31, and February 1. Once the series concludes, both teams will depart for the World Cup. While they are preparing together in Lahore, they will head to different host nations for the tournament's group stages: Australia will play their opening matches in India, while Pakistan will be based in Sri Lanka.

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Australia's first T20I series in Pakistan since 2022

This visit marks a significant return for the Australian side, marking their first T20 series in Pakistan since April 2022. During that previous tour, Australia participated in a full multi-format schedule, including a Test series and a white-ball leg. This upcoming trip reinforces the cricketing ties between the two nations just as the global spotlight shifts to the mega event.

The Australian squad is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on January 28 to begin their brief T20I series. This return to Pakistani soil follows their participation in the Champions Trophy last year, during which they played several of their tournament matches within the country.

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In preparation for the upcoming series and the subsequent World Cup, Pakistan’s selection committee is set to convene later this week. They will meet with head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha to finalise the rosters for both events.

Once the selection process is complete, the final squad will be presented to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for official approval.

Australia's T20 World Cup schedule

Meanwhile, Australia's T20 World Cup squad has already been announced. The 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will feature a massive lineup of 20 teams and is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8. Matches will be held across several iconic locations, including Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka, as well as multiple cities throughout India. For the opening group stage, Australia has been placed in Group B. They are joined by co-hosts Sri Lanka, along with Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. India will first take on Ireland on February 11 followed by a clash against Zimbabwe on February 13. They will then face Sri Lanka on February 16 before playing their last league match against Oman on February 20.