If you’ve been following the green shirts lately, you know that keeping up with the schedule of pakistan cricket feels a bit like trying to track a moving target. One day we’re talking about a historic Test win, and the next, there’s a last-minute shuffle in the T20 itinerary because a major tournament is lurking around the corner. Honestly, it’s chaotic. But that’s the charm of Pakistan cricket, right?
Right now, we are sitting in early 2026. The calendar is absolutely packed. Between the looming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and some serious bilateral "grudge matches," fans are basically going to be living in front of their TV screens or at the stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi for the next few months.
The Immediate Focus: Australia is Coming to Lahore
First things first. If you haven't cleared your calendar for the end of January, do it now. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) just confirmed that Australia is landing in Lahore on January 28.
This isn't a full-blown month-long tour, but a high-intensity, three-match T20I series. All three games are happening at the Gaddafi Stadium. Why just one venue? Basically, it’s about logistics and giving the ground staff total control over the pitches before the World Cup madness begins.
The dates are set for January 29, January 31, and February 1. The first ball is expected at 6:00 PM PKT for all three matches. It’s the perfect warm-up. Australia is bringing a solid squad, though they’re missing a few big names like Cummins and Hazlewood who are nursing injuries. On our side, keep an eye on the fitness reports—Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dealing with some niggles from his Big Bash stint, and the team needs him at 100% for what comes next.
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The 2026 T20 World Cup: Group A Drama
Immediately after Australia leaves, the focus shifts to the big one. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on February 7. This time, it's a joint effort by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan has been placed in Group A. This is where things get spicy. We are grouped with:
- India (The big one, obviously)
- United States
- Netherlands
- Namibia
While most of the Group A matches will be played in Sri Lanka, the narrative is already building. Remember that loss to the USA in 2024? Yeah, the team hasn't forgotten. Redemption is a huge part of the 2026 vibe. The group stage runs until February 20, and if things go south early, the pressure on the captaincy will be immense. It’s just how it goes in our cricketing culture.
What Happens After the World Cup?
A lot of people think the season ends after a major ICC event. Not this time. The schedule of pakistan cricket for the rest of 2026 is actually more grueling than the start of the year.
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Once the World Cup wraps up in March, the boys are heading straight to Bangladesh. This is going to be a split tour, which is a bit unusual but makes sense for the players' workload.
Phase 1 (March): Three ODIs. The dates are roughly March 12, 14, and 16. These are crucial because the rankings for the next Champions Trophy cycle are already starting to matter.
Phase 2 (May): Two Test matches. These aren't just friendlies; they are part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27. After a somewhat rocky start to the WTC cycle in late 2025 against South Africa, Pakistan desperately needs maximum points in Chattogram and Dhaka. If you're a purist who loves the five-day grind, May is your month.
The Women’s Team: Don’t Sleep on This Schedule
We can't talk about the national calendar without mentioning the Women in Green. While the men are prepping for Australia, Fatima Sana is leading the women’s squad to South Africa.
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This is a massive tour running from February 10 to March 1. They’ve got three T20Is in Potchefstroom, Benoni, and Kimberley, followed by three ODIs. It’s all about building momentum for the Women’s T20 World Cup later in the year. The fact that they are playing day-night fixtures in South Africa is a great test of their ability to handle different conditions under lights.
Summary of Key Dates to Watch:
- Jan 29 - Feb 1: Australia T20Is in Lahore.
- Feb 7 - March 8: Men’s T20 World Cup (India/Sri Lanka).
- Feb 10 - March 1: Women’s Tour of South Africa.
- March 12 - 16: ODI series in Bangladesh.
- May 8 - 20: Test series in Bangladesh (WTC points on the line).
Looking Ahead to the Summer and Beyond
Wait, there's more. If you think the players get a break in the summer, think again. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) suggests a trip to the West Indies in July, followed by hosting Zimbabwe and potentially Afghanistan later in the year.
There's also the "Tri-Series" talk. The PCB has been pushing for more tri-nation tournaments to bring back that 90s nostalgia. While nothing is written in stone for late 2026 yet, the rumors of a series involving South Africa and New Zealand are getting louder.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to follow the schedule of pakistan cricket closely this year, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Ticket Alerts: For the Australia series in Lahore, tickets go on sale starting January 16. Use the official PCB portal; don't trust third-party resellers on social media who often upcharge by 300%.
- Streaming Strategy: In Pakistan, digital rights are currently split. Keep your apps like Tapmad, Myco, or Tamasha updated. For the World Cup, PTV Sports and Geo Super remain the linear go-to options.
- Fantasy Leagues: With the volume of T20s coming up, the player rotation will be high. If you play fantasy cricket, watch the toss closely—squad rotation is going to be a theme this year to prevent burnout before the Tests in May.
- Support Local: If you’re in Lahore, get to the Gaddafi Stadium. The atmosphere for the Australia series is expected to be electric, and it’s a rare chance to see some of the world's best T20 specialists on Pakistani soil.
The next few months are going to be a rollercoaster. Whether we’re celebrating a trophy in Colombo or analyzing a batting collapse in Dhaka, one thing is for sure: there’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Pakistan cricket team. Keep this calendar handy, because things move fast.