The short series will also serve as a key preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka.
Three T20Is in Lahore
The Australian cricket team will play three T20I matches in Pakistan as part of their build-up to the World Cup. The PCB unveiled the full schedule on Wednesday, January 14.
Pakistan vs Australia T20I 2026 Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 29 | 6:30 PM | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 2nd T20I | January 31 | 6:30 PM | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 3rd T20I | February 1 | 6:30 PM | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed expressed his excitement for the series, urging fans to support both sides at the stadium. He added that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was chosen to provide a “familiar sight” for the Australian team, which has played several internationals at the venue since March 2022.
Road to the T20 World Cup 2026
The last T20I encounter between Pakistan and Australia took place during Pakistan’s 2024 white-ball tour of Australia, where the visitors lost the three-match series 0-3 across Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart.
Pakistan recently hosted Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for a T20I tri-series, lifting the title with a win over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Earlier this month, a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 draw after the second match was abandoned.
For Australia, this upcoming series marks their return to T20I cricket after a two-and-a-half-month gap following their Ashes campaign at home. During their last home T20I series against India in October-November 2025, Australia lost the five-match series 1-2.
Several Pakistan players, along with most of the Australian squad, are currently participating in the ongoing 2025-26 BBL season in Australia.
The three-match T20I series in Lahore will be the final international preparation for both teams before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Interestingly, Australia is also scheduled to tour Pakistan later this year for a three-match ODI series.
