ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the schedule for Australia’s tour of Pakistan, featuring a three-match T20I series to be played in Lahore at the end of the month.
All fixtures will take place at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, January 31 and February 1, providing fans with consecutive high-profile contests. Consequently, both teams will rely on focused training sessions and acclimatisation to finalise combinations. The PCB said the toss for each match will occur at 5:30pm local time, with play beginning at 6pm.
The board added that the series will provide crucial match practice ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, with Pakistan placed in Group A and Australia competing in Group B. Moreover, the tour marks Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since 2022, underscoring the strengthening of cricketing ties between the two countries. The visitors previously played Tests, ODIs and a T20I during the March–April 2022 tour. Their only prior T20I at Gaddafi Stadium came on April 5, 2022, when Australia won by three wickets.
Officials highlight fan engagement and venue familiarity
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed welcomed the series and urged supporters to attend in large numbers. He said the tour signals a blockbuster start to the year for local fans and offers both teams valuable preparation opportunities for supporters nationwide.
Additionally, he noted that Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar venue for Australia, having hosted a Test, five ODIs and a T20I involving the visitors since 2022. The PCB confirmed that the three matches will begin at 6pm, with fixtures scheduled for Thursday, January 29, Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1.
