Pakistan will embark on a crucial overseas assignment in early 2026 as they prepare for the T20 World Cup by playing a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that all matches will take place in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. The squad, led by Salman Agha, will use this tour to refine strategies, assess squad depth, and gain early exposure to Sri Lankan playing conditions.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled entirely in Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s decision to commence their preparations on the same soil is strategically sound. Conditions in Dambulla and Colombo can differ significantly from those found in the UAE, Pakistan, or Australia. Pitches often favour spin and tactical batting, and Pakistan aim to use the series to adapt their game plan accordingly.
Pakistan have had one of the busiest T20I calendars in world cricket over the past six months. Since the PSL ended in May 2025, they have participated in numerous bilateral series at home and abroad, visited the West Indies, competed in two tri-nation events, and played the highly competitive Asia Cup. They later hosted South Africa in a home series. Despite minor setbacks, including a loss in the Asia Cup final to India, Pakistan demonstrated strong form and squad consistency.
Sri Lanka, who recently toured Pakistan for ODIs and a tri-series, will now host Pakistan in a role reversal. Their recent run of fixtures has also helped them identify emerging talents while working on their rebuilding process. The January series will give both nations valuable match practice before the World Cup.
After completing the Sri Lanka tour, Pakistan will return home for another important assignment — a three-match T20I series against Australia in late January. This back-to-back scheduling ensures that the squad remains active, mentally sharp, and tactically prepared in the weeks leading up to the global tournament.
Pakistan are placed in Group A of the World Cup next year, set to face India, Namibia, Netherlands, and the United States. All these matches will be played in Colombo across different venues. The Pakistan vs India match will undoubtedly carry major global attention, given the rivalry and the stakes of the tournament.
Team management views the January T20Is as a stepping stone to finalising Pakistan’s ideal playing XI. Younger players may get opportunities to prove themselves, while senior players will aim to return to peak performance levels. The coaching staff will also pay close attention to pitch behaviour and weather conditions in Sri Lanka, using the data to shape their strategies for the World Cup.
Overall, Pakistan’s January 2026 tour of Sri Lanka is expected to play a pivotal role in their World Cup campaign, offering the ideal mix of preparation, analysis, and competition necessary for a strong showing on cricket’s biggest stage.