The wait is over. The ICC has officially dropped the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026, and if you were planning to get married in February, you might want to reschedule. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, kicks off on February 7th. But for Pakistani fans, the real tournament begins a week later. Here is the complete Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule for the “Men in Green” as we head into the most critical 30 days of the year.
1. The “Mother of All Battles”: Feb 15
Mark your calendars.
- Match: Pakistan vs. India
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Yes, we are playing in Sri Lanka (Group A matches are in Colombo/Kandy due to the hybrid model). This is huge news because Colombo’s conditions suit our spinners (Abrar & Shadab) far better than the flat tracks of Mumbai.
Pakistan’s Group Stage Schedule:
- vs. Netherlands: Feb 10 (Kandy)
- vs. India: Feb 15 (Colombo)
- vs. USA: Feb 19 (Colombo)
- vs. Namibia: Feb 23 (Kandy)
2. The “Warm-Up” at Home: Australia in Lahore (Jan 29)
Before we fly to Sri Lanka, the final test happens right here at Gaddafi Stadium. The Australia T20 Series starts next week.
- 1st T20: Jan 29 (Lahore)
- 2nd T20: Jan 31 (Lahore)
- 3rd T20: Feb 1 (Lahore)
This isn’t a “B-Team” tour. Australia is sending their World Cup squad (minus the injured Cummins). If you are in Lahore, get your tickets now. Seeing Salman Ali Agha captain the side against heavyweights like Travis Head will tell us if this “New Pakistan” is actually ready or just lucky.
3. The Big Worry: Shaheen’s Knee (Again)
Now for the bad news. Reports from the Big Bash League (BBL) are concerning. Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to Pakistan early after complaining of knee soreness.
- The Situation: The medical panel is calling it “precautionary,” but we have heard that before.
- The Dilemma: Does the management risk playing him in the Australia series next week to test fitness? Or do we wrap him in cotton wool until the India match?
- My Prediction: He sits out the Lahore series. Expect Zaman Khan or Mir Hamza to lead the attack against Australia.
4. Expectations: Semi-Finals or Bust?
Let’s be real. With the match against India happening in Colombo (neutral territory-ish), we have a 50-50 chance. Our group (Netherlands, USA, Namibia) is relatively easy. We should qualify for the Super 8s without breaking a sweat. But the real test will be the middle order. Can Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan handle the pressure of a World Cup? We will find out in Lahore next week.
Are you buying tickets for the Lahore series? Or are you saving your energy for Feb 15?