The Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 is set to deliver more than six weeks of international cricket, combining a bilateral T20I series, a major ODI Tri-Nation Series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, and two ICC World Test Championship matches.
Sri Lanka’s senior men’s team arrived in Pakistan on October 4, 2026, with the competitive action beginning on October 9 and continuing through November 21. The tour opens with three T20Is in Rawalpindi, before England joins Pakistan and Sri Lanka for a seven-match ODI tri-series across Rawalpindi and Lahore. Sri Lanka then play a three-day match in Islamabad before facing Pakistan in two Tests.
The Pakistan Cricket Board says the two-Test series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, adding extra significance to the final phase of the tour.
Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour | Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 |
| Host | Pakistan |
| Sri Lanka Arrival | October 4, 2026 |
| First International | October 9 |
| Final Scheduled Match | November 21 |
| T20Is | 3 |
| ODI Tri-Series | 7 matches including final |
| Tri-Series Teams | Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England |
| Three-Day Match | November 4–6 |
| Tests | 2 |
| Test Championship | ICC WTC 2025–27 |
| Main Venues | Rawalpindi & Lahore |
| Three-Day Match City | Islamabad |
Sri Lanka Cricket officially describes the tour as a three-part programme: the Pakistan T20I series, the ODI triangular series with England and then the two-match Test series.
Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 Full Schedule
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 9, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd T20I | October 11, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd T20I | October 13, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
All three T20 internationals will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka & England ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 Schedule
The white-ball highlight of Sri Lanka’s tour will be the Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series, running from October 18 to October 31.
Each side will face the other two teams twice during the league stage, resulting in six round-robin matches. The top two teams will then meet in the final on October 31 in Lahore. This format follows directly from the PCB’s announced seven-match fixture list.
Complete ODI Tri-Series Fixtures
| Match | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
| 2 | October 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi |
| 3 | October 22 | Sri Lanka vs England | Rawalpindi |
| 4 | October 25 | Pakistan vs England | Lahore |
| 5 | October 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| 6 | October 29 | Sri Lanka vs England | Lahore |
| Final | October 31 | Top two teams | Lahore |
The first three matches will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining three league matches and the final will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Sri Lanka’s ODI Tri-Series Matches
For Sri Lankan supporters, the team’s guaranteed league fixtures are:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
| Oct 22 | Sri Lanka vs England | Rawalpindi |
| Oct 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| Oct 29 | Sri Lanka vs England | Lahore |
| Oct 31 | Final, if qualified | Lahore |
This means Sri Lanka will play Pakistan twice and England twice before the final.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I – October 9
The tour begins with the first T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9.
Pakistan will be led by Sahibzada Farhan, while Kusal Mendis captains Sri Lanka’s T20I squad.
The match comes only a few days after several Pakistan players were involved in the Asian Games, meaning player workload and quick tactical adjustments could become important early talking points.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I – October 11
The second T20I stays in Rawalpindi.
With only one rest day between matches, both teams may have limited opportunity for major adjustments, although the first game’s pitch behaviour should heavily influence selection and bowling plans.
Pakistan’s T20I squad includes a mix of established internationals and younger players, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and captain Sahibzada Farhan.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I – October 13
The final T20I takes place on October 13, again at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The two teams then move quickly toward the ODI phase, with the Tri-Nation Series beginning only five days later.
For players selected in both formats, the transition from T20 to 50-over cricket will therefore happen almost immediately.
ODI Tri-Series Opens With Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
The first match of the ODI Tri-Series on October 18 is itself a Pakistan-Sri Lanka clash.
That creates an interesting sequence:
October 9–13: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20Is
October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI
October 22: Sri Lanka vs England ODI
The opening three ODIs remain in Rawalpindi before the tournament moves to Lahore.
Why England’s Participation Makes the Tri-Series Important
ODI tri-series have become relatively uncommon compared with bilateral three-match series, making this competition particularly interesting.
England’s participation means Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face a very different style of opposition in the same tournament.
The structure also gives all three teams four guaranteed ODIs, considerably more competitive 50-over cricket than a standard three-match bilateral series.
With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup approaching, the tournament also gives the three sides an extended opportunity to test ODI combinations, middle-order options, bowlers and all-rounders.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI of the Tri-Series – October 27
The second Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI takes place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 27.
Depending on the first four results, this fixture could have major consequences for qualification for the October 31 final.
It will also give the sides experience at the venue that hosts the championship match.
Sri Lanka vs England ODIs
Sri Lanka’s two matches against England are:
October 22 – Rawalpindi
October 29 – Lahore
This provides Sri Lanka with games against England in two very different venues and could become a particularly useful test for their ODI batting and pace-bowling depth.
ODI Tri-Series Final – October 31
The top two teams after six league matches will contest the final at:
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: October 31, 2026
The PCB’s official competition page confirms Lahore as the venue.
Three-Day Match – November 4 to 6
After the ODI tournament finishes, Sri Lanka’s focus shifts completely to red-ball cricket.
Sri Lanka will play a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4–6 as preparation for the Test series.
The PCB’s initial schedule specifies Islamabad but does not identify the ground in the announcement, so it is better not to assume a venue until officially confirmed.
This warm-up becomes especially useful because the first Test begins only three days later.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026
The tour concludes with a two-Test series.
| Test | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 9–13 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd Test | November 17–21 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
1st Test – Rawalpindi
The opening Test begins on November 9.
Rawalpindi therefore plays a major role throughout the tour, hosting:
- All three T20Is
- The opening three ODI Tri-Series matches
- The first Test
That gives Sri Lanka plenty of opportunity to become familiar with the venue before the red-ball match.
2nd Test – Lahore
The second and final Test begins on:
November 17, 2026
at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
It is scheduled to conclude on November 21 and brings Sri Lanka’s long Pakistan tour to an end.
Lahore will therefore host the closing stages of both the ODI tournament and the Test series.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for Pakistan Tour 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member T20I squad, captained by Kusal Mendis.
| Player | Role/Note |
|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | Captain |
| Kamil Mishara | Batter |
| Sineth Jayawardena | Batter |
| Lahiru Udara | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Sahan Arachchige | All-round option |
| Kamindu Mendis | Batter/all-rounder |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder |
| Chamindu Wickramasinghe | All-rounder |
| Dunith Wellalage | Spin all-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner |
| Vijayakanth Viyaskanth | Spinner |
| Binura Fernando | Fast bowler |
| Nuwan Thushara | Fast bowler |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Subject to fitness |
Sri Lanka’s squad departed for Pakistan on October 4.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Tri-Nation Series
Sri Lanka Cricket has also named a 16-member ODI squad, again under Kusal Mendis.
The squad is:
Kusal Mendis (captain)
Pathum Nissanka
Avishka Fernando
Kamil Mishara
Pavan Rathnayake
Sahan Arachchige
Kamindu Mendis
Janith Liyanage
Dasun Shanaka
Dunith Wellalage
Maheesh Theekshana
Sachindu Colombage
Dushmantha Chameera
Asitha Fernando
Dilshan Madushanka
Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka Cricket says Pathum Nissanka will travel only if he is declared medically fit.
Sri Lanka Players to Watch in the ODI Tri-Series
Kusal Mendis
As captain, Mendis will have the responsibility of anchoring the batting order while managing the team’s tactical approach against two high-quality opponents.
His ability to play both pace and spin makes him particularly important in Pakistani conditions.
Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka is one of Sri Lanka’s key top-order ODI batters, but his participation is currently dependent on medical clearance.
His availability could have a major impact on Sri Lanka’s opening combination.
Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu offers batting versatility and the ability to adapt across formats.
He could become particularly valuable during the transition from the T20 series to the longer ODI contest.
Dunith Wellalage
Wellalage provides both left-arm spin and lower-order batting.
On Pakistan pitches where spin becomes increasingly relevant through the middle overs, his ability to contribute in two departments gives Sri Lanka greater balance.
Maheesh Theekshana
Theekshana will be one of Sri Lanka’s most important middle-over bowling options, particularly against Pakistan and England’s aggressive batting units.
Dilshan Madushanka
The left-arm seamer gives Sri Lanka a different angle with the new ball and could play an important role throughout the ODI tournament.
Pakistan T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka
Pakistan have named Sahibzada Farhan as captain for the three T20Is.
The squad consists of:
Sahibzada Farhan (captain)
Abdul Samad
Abrar Ahmed
Arafat Minhas
Fakhar Zaman
Hasan Nawaz
Muhammad Imran Randhawa
Khawaja Nafay (wk)
Maaz Sadaqat
Naseem Shah
Razaullah
Saim Ayub
Mohammad Salman Mirza
Shadab Khan
Sufiyan Moqim
The selection gives Pakistan an interesting mixture of experienced internationals and younger white-ball players.
Pakistan ODI Squad for Tri-Series
Pakistan will be captained in ODIs by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The 16-member squad is:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Salman Ali Agha
Arafat Minhas
Babar Azam
Faheem Ashraf
Fakhar Zaman
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk)
Haris Rauf
Hasan Nawaz
Naseem Shah
Razaullah
Saad Baig (wk)
Saim Ayub
Shadab Khan
Sufiyan Moqim
The presence of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan gives Pakistan a strong core for the tournament.
Two Different Pakistan Captains
An interesting feature of the tour is that Pakistan will use different captains in the two white-ball formats.
T20Is: Sahibzada Farhan
ODIs: Shaheen Shah Afridi
PCB confirmed both leadership appointments on October 5.
That provides Pakistan with an opportunity to maintain separate leadership structures as their T20I and ODI teams evolve.
Sri Lanka Test Squad
As of October 6, 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket’s latest published tour announcements confirm the T20I and ODI squads, while the final Test squad was not included in those two selection releases.
Because the Tests do not begin until November 9, the red-ball squad can be finalized closer to the series.
The two Tests will nevertheless be particularly important because both count toward the current World Test Championship cycle.
Venues for Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi will host:
October 9: 1st T20I
October 11: 2nd T20I
October 13: 3rd T20I
October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI
October 20: Pakistan vs England ODI
October 22: Sri Lanka vs England ODI
November 9–13: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test
This makes Rawalpindi the busiest venue of the tour.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Lahore hosts:
October 25: Pakistan vs England
October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
October 29: Sri Lanka vs England
October 31: ODI Tri-Series Final
November 17–21: 2nd Test
Gaddafi Stadium therefore stages the decisive phase of both the ODI competition and the Test series.
Islamabad
Islamabad hosts Sri Lanka’s three-day red-ball preparation match from November 4–6.
Why the ODI Tri-Series Matters Ahead of World Cup 2027
The timing makes the tournament especially valuable.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia roughly a year later.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England can therefore use this tri-series to develop their 50-over plans.
Areas likely to receive attention include:
- Opening partnerships
- No. 4 and No. 5 batting roles
- Wicketkeeper combinations
- Pace-bowling depth
- Spin options
- All-rounders
- Death-over bowling
- Powerplay strategies
Four guaranteed league matches for each team provide much more experimentation time than a short bilateral ODI series.
World Test Championship Importance
The two Pakistan-Sri Lanka Tests are not standalone bilateral matches.
They form part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship.
That means victories, draws and over-rate penalties can directly affect WTC standings and ultimately qualification for the championship final.
The importance of the series will therefore extend far beyond bilateral bragging rights.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have one of Asian cricket’s longest-standing rivalries.
The teams have met frequently across Tests, ODIs and T20Is and share a particularly strong history in multi-nation tournaments.
Pakistan conditions can also suit Sri Lanka in certain ways because both sides are accustomed to using spin during the middle overs, while reverse swing and conventional pace bowling can become decisive in Tests.
The 2026 tour adds another dimension by placing England alongside them in the ODI competition.
Tickets for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2026
PCB has already opened the ticket process for the three-match T20I series.
Online T20I ticket sales began on October 3, while physical sales were scheduled through designated TCS Express Centres from October 5.
PCB lists starting prices for the first two T20Is as:
| Category | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| General | PKR 300 |
| First Class | PKR 500 |
| Premium | PKR 700 |
| VIP | PKR 1,000 |
The PCB has also announced that ODI Tri-Series tickets will go on online sale from October 10, with tickets across the upcoming matches available at price points beginning as low as PKR 200 in the wider sales programme.
Prices depend on match and enclosure, so fans should check the official PCB ticket portal for exact categories.
Match Officials
PCB has already confirmed match officials for all three stages of the programme.
The ODI Tri-Series will involve officials including Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, while Jeffrey Crowe is among the senior match-referee appointments.
For the Test series, Elite Panel umpires Adrian Holdstock, Allahudien Palekar and Rodney Tucker have been named among the officials.
Where to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2026
The complete country-by-country television and streaming distribution had not yet been fully detailed in the official PCB and SLC schedule announcements reviewed for this article.
Broadcast information can differ for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and other markets, so fans should check official PCB/SLC announcements closer to each series rather than relying on previous-tour broadcasters.
Complete Sri Lanka Pakistan Tour Timeline
For readers wanting a single chronological list:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 4 | Sri Lanka arrives in Pakistan |
| Oct 9 | 1st T20I – Rawalpindi |
| Oct 11 | 2nd T20I – Rawalpindi |
| Oct 13 | 3rd T20I – Rawalpindi |
| Oct 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI |
| Oct 20 | Pakistan vs England ODI |
| Oct 22 | Sri Lanka vs England ODI |
| Oct 25 | Pakistan vs England ODI |
| Oct 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI |
| Oct 29 | Sri Lanka vs England ODI |
| Oct 31 | ODI Tri-Series Final |
| Nov 4–6 | Sri Lanka three-day match – Islamabad |
| Nov 9–13 | 1st Test – Rawalpindi |
| Nov 17–21 | 2nd Test – Lahore |
FAQs About Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026
When does Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan 2026 begin?
Sri Lanka arrived on October 4, while the first international is the 1st T20I on October 9 in Rawalpindi.
How many T20Is will Pakistan and Sri Lanka play?
They will play three T20Is, all at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13.
Which teams are playing the ODI Tri-Nation Series?
The three teams are Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.
When does the ODI Tri-Series begin?
The first match is Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on October 18 in Rawalpindi.
When is the ODI Tri-Series final?
The final will be played on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
How many matches are in the Tri-Series?
There are seven matches: six league games plus the final.
How many times will Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the ODI league stage?
They meet twice: October 18 in Rawalpindi and October 27 in Lahore.
How many times will Sri Lanka play England?
Sri Lanka face England twice: October 22 in Rawalpindi and October 29 in Lahore.
Who is Sri Lanka’s captain?
Kusal Mendis has been named captain of both Sri Lanka’s announced T20I and ODI squads.
Who is Pakistan’s T20I captain?
Sahibzada Farhan will captain Pakistan in the Sri Lanka T20Is.
Who is Pakistan’s ODI captain?
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan during the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
When does the Test series begin?
The first Test starts on November 9 in Rawalpindi.
Where is the second Test?
The second Test is at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore from November 17–21.
Are the Tests part of the World Test Championship?
Yes. Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Is there a warm-up match?
Yes. Sri Lanka will play a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4–6 before the Tests.
Final Words
The Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 is much bigger than a conventional bilateral cricket series.
Sri Lanka begin with three T20Is against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13 before England joins the action for one of the year’s most interesting ODI competitions.
The Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series runs from October 18 to 31. Rawalpindi hosts the opening three games, while Lahore takes over for the final three league fixtures and the tournament final.
For Sri Lanka, that means two ODIs against Pakistan and two against England, with the opportunity to reach the October 31 final.
The tour then changes completely.
After a three-day preparation match in Islamabad, Sri Lanka face Pakistan in two World Test Championship Tests, beginning in Rawalpindi on November 9 and concluding in Lahore from November 17–21.
With T20 cricket, an unusual seven-match ODI tri-series and crucial WTC points all packed into the same tour, the Pakistan-Sri Lanka programme from October through November 2026 promises to be one of the most varied international cricket assignments of the season.
