Sri Lanka tour finalised — Pakistan set for three-match T20 series in January

ISLAMABAD: The three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been scheduled for January in Dambulla, forming a key part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, both boards have finalised the fixtures, with all matches to be played from January 8 to 12 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Fixtures

1st T20I: 8 January 2026

2nd T20I: 10 January 2026

3rd T20I: 12 January 2026

 Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

The World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will play all of its matches in Sri Lanka.

The PCB and SLC had been engaged in discussions for several weeks to finalise arrangements for the series, which are now nearing completion.

The short tour will carry significance for Pakistan as it provides exposure to Sri Lankan conditions — the same environment in which the team will contest its World Cup fixtures.

Meanwhile, due to ongoing renovation and repair work at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium and Pallekele Stadium ahead of the World Cup, the matches have been shifted entirely to Dambulla. For the same reason, the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League has also been postponed.

At the same time, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have both qualified for the final of the ongoing T20 tri-series, with the title clash scheduled for November 29.