Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played five white-ball matches this year thus far, and they are expected to continue that familiarity next year, with reports suggesting the PCB is working on arranging a T20I series with the Islanders early in 2026 as part of the national team’s preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s matches in the global showcase will take place in Sri Lanka, and the board is eager to get Salman Ali Agha’s team accustomed to the conditions they will face during the competition.
Sources within the PCB and SLC confirm that discussions are well underway, though nothing has been finalized yet. Both boards are ironing out logistical details, and a formal announcement is expected once complete agreement is reached.
Sri Lankan media, however, has already outlined a tentative schedule, reporting that the matches are likely to take place from January 8 to 12 in Dambulla. It is currently the only viable option, with both the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium undergoing major renovations ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Pakistan’s potential series against Sri Lanka also raises questions about the participation of Pakistani players in this year’s Big Bash League. Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Babar Azam all have BBL contracts, with the tournament running from December 14 to January 25. It remains to be seen whether the PCB will recall these players for the tour, given they are likely part of the contingent for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s 2026 calendar is shaping up to be one of its busiest yet. The team will host Australia before and after the T20 World Cup, with the PSL scheduled in between. A possible tour of Sri Lanka would further tighten this window.
For now, fans on both sides await the official confirmation, but all signs point to Pakistan beginning 2026 with a high-stakes dress rehearsal in Dambulla.
