Australia to tour Pakistan for white-ball series in early 2026

Two-phase white-ball series set for early 2026

Australia is scheduled to return to Pakistan for a white-ball series in early 2026, with matches split across two distinct phases. The series is expected to further strengthen cricketing ties between the two countries following successful tours in recent years.

The tour will open with a three-match T20I series from January 30 to February 5, just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. After the global tournament concludes, Australia will return for a three-match ODI series from March 13 to March 19.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to announce the complete list of venues and the finalized itinerary, sources indicate that planning is already well underway. The series is also in line with the ICC Future Tours Programme (2025–2027).

Greenberg optimistic about future Australia-Pakistan tours

Speaking during an online press conference, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed confidence in the upcoming tour and reiterated the strength of the relationship between the two boards.

“I believe it will be another good tour of Pakistan. The series against Pakistan is an important part of our schedule. There has been good communication between Pakistan and Australia regarding both red-ball and white-ball series,” Greenberg said.

Reflecting on the progress made since Australia’s last visit to Pakistan in 2022, Greenberg added:

“We need to look for more opportunities for series, which we will definitely do. We would like to play a series in Pakistan. In 2022, we toured Pakistan after a long gap, and the tour was very successful. The Australian team received a warm welcome. It would be great if such series continue to happen.”

Recent history sets up exciting rematch

This upcoming series comes on the heels of an engaging tour in late 2024, when Pakistan visited Australia for a white-ball campaign. Under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan made history by winning the ODI series 2–1, their first-ever ODI series win in Australia since 2002. However, Australia responded strongly in the T20Is, completing a 3–0 sweep.

The competitive nature of that tour sets the stage for a compelling rematch on Pakistani soil, where both teams will look to fine-tune combinations ahead of global tournaments and future bilateral contests.

Packed calendar ahead for Pakistan

Before hosting Australia, Pakistan will have a busy lead-up period. The national side is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in October–November 2025, followed by a tri-nation series featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka later in November.

These matches will provide crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, and will also help the team adjust to home conditions before facing Australia in early 2026.

The Australia tour, if finalized as expected, will be another milestone in the growing cricket partnership between the two nations — reinforcing mutual commitment to bilateral series and expanding opportunities for fans across both countries.

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