Pakistan Cricket Board announces the dates for Australia’s three-match T20I series in Lahore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed the schedule for Australia’s three-match T20I tour of Pakistan, with all fixtures set to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from January 29 to February 1.

According to the PCB, the series will commence on Wednesday, January 29, followed by the second T20I on Saturday, January 31, while the final match will be played on Sunday, February 1. The coin toss for all three matches will take place at 5:30pm (PKT), with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 6pm.

Australia’s T20I squad is expected to arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, January 28, a day ahead of the opening fixture.

The series is being seen as a key preparatory assignment for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan have been placed in Group A of the tournament, while Australia will feature in Group B, making the Lahore contest vital for finalising combinations and building momentum.

This will mark Australia’s third tour of Pakistan since their historic return in March–April 2022, when they played a full tour comprising three Tests, three ODIs and a solitary T20I. The visitors also played three matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, further strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations.

Australia currently hold the edge at the venue in T20Is, having registered a narrow three-wicket victory in the only T20I played at Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022.

Speaking on the announcement, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said the board was delighted to host Australia once again.

“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 I urge them to turn out in numbers during the series to support both the teams as they put final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations,” he said.

Syed added that the Australian team has grown accustomed to playing in Lahore over the past few years.

“I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for the Australian cricket team as they have played a Test, five ODIs and a T20I here since March 2022,” he noted.

Series schedule (all matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):

• 1st T20I – Thursday, January 29 – 6pm PKT

• 2nd T20I – Saturday, January 31 – 6pm PKT

• 3rd T20I – Sunday, February 1 – 6pm PKT

The Lahore series is expected to draw packed crowds, with fans eager to witness two of the world’s top T20 sides clash on home soil ahead of a major global event.