Pakistan cricket is set for a demanding and crowded year in 2026. The team will compete in major global events. These include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship cycle. Domestic action will also stay intense with the Pakistan Super League. Senior players are expected to handle heavy workloads, including Mohammad Rizwan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has planned most fixtures under the Future Tours Programm. Some series still need final approval. The schedule includes long travel periods and short recovery gaps. This will test team fitness and squad depth throughout the year.
Pakistan will begin the 2026 season with an overseas tour. The team will travel to Sri Lanka in early January. A three-match T20I series will open this year. All matches will be played at the Rangiriri Dambulla International Stadium. The early tour will help players adjust quickly to competitive cricket.
After returning home, Pakistan will host Australia for another T20I series. The three-match contest will run from late January to early February. This will be Pakistan’s final T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup. Playing at home will help the team test combinations under pressure.
The T20 World Cup will follow soon after. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the event from February to March. Back-to-back T20I series before the tournament will help Pakistan build momentum. Players like Mohammad Rizwan are expected to bring stability during this phase.
Once the World Cup ends, attention may shift to ODI cricket. Pakistan is likely to host Australia for a three-match ODI series in March. The dates are not confirmed yet. Final approval depends on travel plans and board decisions.
Domestic cricket will then take center stage. PSL 11 is scheduled for April and May. The league may overlap with the Indian Premier League. Despite this, PSL remains a major event. Top local players and overseas stars are expected to feature.
Later in the year, Pakistan will face a tough Test schedule. The team will tour England for a three-match Test series in August and September. The series is part of the World Test Championship 2025–27. Matches will be played at Headingley, Lord’s, and Edgbaston.
English conditions will challenge Pakistan’s batters. Swing and seam movement often trouble visiting teams. The England tour will play a key role in Pakistan’s WTC standing. Consistent performers like Mohammad Rizwan may carry extra responsibility.
Pakistan also has other Test assignments in the same cycle. The team will play two away Tests against the West Indies. Two home Tests against Sri Lanka are also scheduled later in the year.
Overall, Pakistan’s 2026 calendar reflects a packed and demanding season. Performance management will be crucial. Senior players must guide younger teammates. The year could shape Pakistan’s long-term cricket direction.
Check out the latest updates on Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s special performance during PSL events.
Pakistan 2026 Cricket Schedule
| Month | Opponent | Format | Matches | Venue |
| January | Sri Lanka | T20I | 3 matches | Away |
| January | Australia | T20I | 3 matches | Home |
| Feb–March | — | T20 World Cup | — | — |
| March–May | — | PSL | — | Home |
| May | Zimbabwe | ODI & T20I | 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | Home |
| June | Australia | ODI | 3 matches | Home (Likely) |
| July–August | West Indies | Test | 2 matches | Away |
| Aug–Sept | England | Test | 3 matches | Away |
| November | Sri Lanka | Test | 2 matches | Home |
