ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to clash in a three-match T20 series in January 2026, scheduled at Dambulla, as part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the sources said on Friday.
Both cricket boards have finalized the series schedule, with all matches to be played at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium from January 8 to 12, 2026:
1st T20: January 8, 2026
2nd T20: January 10, 2026
3rd T20: January 12, 2026
The T20 World Cup will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka. Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.
The PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have been in discussions for several weeks to finalize all arrangements for the series, which is now nearly complete. The short tour will be crucial for Pakistan, as the Sri Lankan conditions are similar to those expected during the World Cup.
Meanwhile, due to ongoing renovations at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium and Pallekele Stadium ahead of the World Cup, all series matches have been shifted to Dambulla. The construction work has also led to the postponement of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League.
In other cricket developments, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reached the final of the ongoing T20 Tri-Series, with the decisive match scheduled for November 29.
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in last-ball thriller to reach T20I Tri-series final
