As the new year approaches, Pakistan cricket fans are buzzing with excitement. The Men in Green are gearing up for what promises to be a packed 2026, highlighted by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With key bilateral series to sharpen their skills and the high-stakes World Cup clash against India on the horizon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rolled out a strategic schedule. This blog dives into the latest developments, from recent domestic triumphs to international fixtures, giving you the full scoop on what’s next for Babar Azam and the boys.
Recent Highlights: Wrapping Up 2025 on a High Note
Pakistan’s cricket calendar in late 2025 has been a mix of challenges and triumphs, setting a solid foundation for the year ahead. The senior team wrapped up a successful T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in November, clinching the title with a composed six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s explosive batting and a tight bowling display sealed the deal, though a controversial no-catch call in the 19th over left the opener fuming. This victory came after a hard-fought 3-0 whitewash against South Africa earlier in the month, where Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, dominated on home soil.
On the domestic front, Karachi Blues lifted the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 on December 5, thrashing Sialkot by 218 runs in the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. It was a fitting end to a season that showcased emerging talents like Saim Ayub, who not only starred in the tri-series but also surged to the top of the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings with a career-high 295 points. His all-round show against Sri Lanka—36 quick runs and 1-17—earned him global praise.
Women’s cricket made waves too, with the Bangladesh Women’s U19 side edging Pakistan by seven wickets in the third T20 on December 7. Meanwhile, Pakistan A celebrated in style, defeating Bangladesh A in a super over thriller to win the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 final in Doha. These results highlight the depth in Pakistan’s talent pool, from under-19 levels to the pros.
Key Player Updates: Stars Gearing Up Down Under
No chat about Pakistan cricket is complete without spotlighting its icons. As international action pauses until January—marking a rare 40-day break—several stars are heading to leagues abroad for match practice. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have touched down in Australia for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26, kicking off December 14. Babar joins the Sydney Sixers, Rizwan the Melbourne Renegades, and Shaheen the Brisbane Heat as the top draft pick, where he’s already turning heads in photoshoot and practice sessions.
Social media is ablaze with clips of Shaheen’s fiery nets session in Brisbane, with fans hailing the “pace machine” for potentially “setting the BBL on fire.” Babar’s BBL jersey number—nearly matching Mitchell Starc’s—has sparked memes and chatter, while Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali add more Pakistani flair across teams. These stints aren’t just about runs and wickets; they’re crucial warm-ups ahead of the World Cup, especially with NOCs granted for ILT20 and BPL overlapping the schedule.
In rankings news, Saim Ayub’s rise has been the talk of the town, but veterans like Virat Kohli (up to No. 4 in ODIs) remind us of the global competition. Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test captain, was recently appointed as a PCB consultant for international cricket, signaling a focus on long-term strategy.
The 2026 Schedule: A Roadmap to Glory
The PCB has unveiled a thrilling itinerary for 2026, blending bilateral tours with the marquee T20 World Cup. It all starts with a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka from January 7-11, all at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This tour is tailor-made prep for the World Cup, offering familiar subcontinental conditions and a chance to test combinations against a familiar foe.
| Match | Date | Venue | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | January 7, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | T20I |
| 2nd T20I: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | January 9, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | T20I |
| 3rd T20I: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | January 11, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | T20I |
Hot on its heels? A three-match T20I series against Australia from January 30 to February 5, Down Under. It’s a tough ask on bouncy pitches, but perfect for honing the pace trio of Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. Post-World Cup (more on that below), Australia reciprocates with a three-match ODI series in Pakistan from March 13-19, though venues are TBD.
The crown jewel is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan, slotted in Group A with India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia, plays all group games in Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka. The blockbuster India clash on February 15 at R. Premadasa Stadium could draw record crowds—echoing the electric Asia Cup vibes.
| Match | Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | February 7, 2026 | Netherlands | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Group Stage | February 10, 2026 | USA | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Group Stage | February 15, 2026 | India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Group Stage | February 18, 2026 | Namibia | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 3:00 PM |
If Pakistan tops Group A, Super 8s could pit them against Australia (Group B1), West Indies (C2), and New Zealand (D1), with potential dates in late February across Colombo and Kandy. Beyond the Cup, expect a home Test series against Bangladesh in March (two Tests for WTC points), followed by a grueling tour of England for three Tests from August 19 to September 9—at Headingley, Lord’s, and Edgbaston.
Wrapping the year? The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 from April to May, promising fireworks with franchise rivalries and emerging stars.
Social Media Buzz: Fans and Players React
X (formerly Twitter) is where the pulse of Pakistan cricket beats loudest. The Sri Lanka tour announcement lit up timelines, with @SajSadiqCricket breaking the news: “Pakistan’s fixtures at the 2026 T20 World Cup: 7 Feb v Netherlands… 15 Feb v India.” Fans like @CallMeSheri1_ hyped the India game: “India vs Pakistan!!! 15th February 2026,” racking up thousands of likes.
Shaheen’s BBL arrival dominated feeds, from @khelshel’s photoshoot post (“Shaheen Afridi’s first practice session with Brisbane Heat”) to @Cricwick’s trio graphic (“Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan ready for BBL 🤩”). Even stats nerds chimed in, with @SBMatchday noting Rizwan’s 95 T20I sixes—topping the charts.
The vibe? Optimistic yet cautious. After the 2025 highs, fans are calling for consistency: “Only 6 matches left before T20 WC,” tweeted @dhillow_, underscoring the pressure on captain Salman Ali Agha.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
2026 isn’t just about wins—it’s about rebuilding momentum in the World Test Championship cycle and fine-tuning for limited-overs glory. With a packed Group A, Pakistan must navigate the India factor while leveraging home-like conditions in Sri Lanka. Off the field, PCB’s valuation of PSL franchises signals financial stability, potentially boosting infrastructure.
Challenges loom: Balancing league commitments with national duty, injury management for stars like Babar (post his BBL stint), and integrating youth like Saim Ayub. Yet, with Shaheen’s fire, Babar’s class, and Rizwan’s grit, the Men in Green are poised for fireworks.
What are your predictions for the India clash? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where will Pakistan play India in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India on 15 February 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time and is expected to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament. With both teams placed in Group A and all of Pakistan’s group-stage matches being held in Sri Lanka, this high-voltage encounter will carry extra significance in familiar subcontinental conditions.
What is Pakistan’s complete group-stage schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Pakistan’s group-stage campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played entirely in Sri Lanka. They begin against the Netherlands on 7 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, followed by a match against the USA on 10 February at the same venue. The blockbuster clash against India follows on 15 February at R. Premadasa Stadium, and they wrap up the group stage against Namibia on 18 February at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. All matches are day-night fixtures except the opener.
Which Pakistani players are featuring in the Big Bash League 2025–26?
Several top Pakistani stars are set to light up the Big Bash League starting mid-December 2025. Babar Azam will represent the Sydney Sixers, Mohammad Rizwan has joined the Melbourne Renegades, and Shaheen Shah Afridi was the top platinum pick for the Brisbane Heat. Other notable names include all-rounder Shadab Khan, fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, giving Pakistani fans plenty of reasons to follow the Australian T20 league closely ahead of the World Cup.
What international series will Pakistan play before the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan has lined up two crucial T20I series as preparation for the World Cup. First, they will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series from 7 to 11 January 2026, with all games to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Immediately after, they travel to Australia for another three-match T20I series between 30 January and 5 February 2026. These tours will help the team fine-tune their combinations and adapt to different conditions before the global event.
When is PSL Season 11 expected to take place in 2026?
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 is scheduled to be held from April to May 2026, right after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. The exact start and end dates, along with the venue distribution across Pakistan and possibly the UAE, will be officially announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board in the first quarter of 2026. Fans can expect the usual mix of high-octane cricket, star-studded drafts, and fierce rivalries as the league returns following the global T20 extravaganza.
