Pakistan’s men’s T20I cricket team has been prepared for a significant international assignment as they head to Sri Lanka in January for a three-match T20I series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the tour on Tuesday, noting that it forms a massive part of the team’s build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
All three encounters will take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) on January 7, 9, and 11.
The choice of Dambulla, which is known for its challenging conditions, gripping pitch behavior, and passionate crowds—will test
- Pakistan’s adaptability
- resilience
- qualities essential for a strong World Cup run
A Timely Opportunity for Match Practice
With the T20 World Cup is scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, the series provides Pakistan an ideal opportunity for high-quality match practice. The team has been added in Group A and will play all its World Cup fixtures in Colombo, making subcontinental conditions particularly relevant.
Players and coaches keep on believing that consistent exposure to similar pitches and weather conditions will help in making the right alterations in the squad’s strategy. This is highly imperative as the major goal of Pakistan is to carry forward the momentum built in recent weeks.
Read more: PCB set to give National Stadium Karachi a grand facelift ahead of new season
Strong Recent Form Builds Confidence
The tour announcement emerges on the heels of a successful run for Pakistan. Before this month, the team secured a commanding 3-0 series inundate over Sri Lanka in the One-day Internationals. More recently, the two sides had encountered each other in the T20 tri-nation series final, where Pakistan had gotten the victory, lifting the trophy on home soil.
These performances not only help in building confidence but also provide a psychological advantage heading into the series, particularly for senior players like Babar Azam, who has been in strong scoring form.
A Return After a Decade
Interestingly, Pakistan’s last T20 tour of Sri Lanka was almost 10 years ago, when they clinched both matches at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The upcoming series is marking a long-awaited return and an opportunity to renew cricketing ties between the two nations.
Context of Sri Lanka’s Ongoing Crisis
The tour holds added significance as Sri Lanka is currently dealing with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has been the cause of
- huge flooding
- landslides
- tragic loss of life—over 410 fatalities and more than 1.5 million people affected. Cricket, in this context, provides a moment of collective healing and normalcy for fans across the island.