Pakistan will host Australia in a three-match T20I series in Lahore later this month, with both sides using the contest as a crucial final tune-up ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that all three matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29 and 31, and February 1, with each fixture scheduled to start at 6:00pm local time. Australia are expected to arrive in Lahore on January 28, just a day before the opening match.
With the T20 World Cup looming, the series comes at an ideal time for both teams, offering a last chance to settle combinations, assess fitness levels and sharpen match readiness before the global tournament shifts focus to India and Sri Lanka.
Injuries shape preparation plans
Both camps enter the series with fitness concerns. Australia are monitoring the recovery of key fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, while middle-order power-hitter Tim David is also working his way back to full fitness. Pakistan, meanwhile, are sweating over the availability of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who remains sidelined following an injury picked up during the Big Bash League.
The absence or limited availability of senior players could open the door for fringe options to stake their claim, particularly with squad finalisation for the T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching.
World Cup context adds edge
The series carries added significance given the contrasting World Cup paths awaiting the two sides. Pakistan have been placed in Group A and will play their group matches in Sri Lanka, while Australia feature in Group B, with fixtures scheduled across Indian venues.
For Pakistan, the home series represents an opportunity to build momentum after drawing their recent T20I assignment in Sri Lanka. Australia, on the other hand, arrive with confidence following a dominant Ashes campaign in Test cricket, though translating red-ball success into T20 consistency remains an ongoing challenge.
PCB welcomes Australia’s return
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed described the tour as a marquee event for local fans and a fitting start to the international calendar.
“We are excited and look forward to hosting Australia for the three-match T20I series here in Lahore. The tour marks a blockbuster beginning of the year for Pakistan cricket fans, and we urge them to turn out in numbers as both teams put the final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations,” he said.
Australia’s visit marks their first return to Pakistan since their full tour in March–April 2022. That tour included three Tests, three ODIs and a solitary T20I, which Australia won narrowly at the same venue. While the visitors claimed the Test series, Pakistan had the final say in the ODI leg.
Schedule: Pakistan vs Australia T20Is
- 1st T20I: January 29 – Lahore
- 2nd T20I: January 31 – Lahore
- 3rd T20I: February 1 – Lahore
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium
- Start time: 6:00pm PKT
With the World Cup just days away, the Lahore series offers more than just results. It is about rhythm, clarity, and confidence — commodities both Pakistan and Australia will be eager to carry into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
