Lahore, January 16, 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to revise the match timings for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, with an official announcement expected soon, sources confirmed on Friday.
The decision comes in response to extreme weather conditions in Lahore, prompting the PCB to bring forward the start time of all three fixtures. Each T20 international will now commence at 4:00 pm local time, with the toss scheduled for 3:30 pm. Earlier, the matches were slated to begin at 6:00 pm, with the toss at 5:30 pm.
Pakistan and Australia will face each other at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, January 31 and February 1.
The series holds added significance as it serves as a key build-up for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
At the World Cup, Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. Australia, meanwhile, will compete in Group B, featuring Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
The tour will mark Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since their landmark return in March–April 2022, when they played a historic Test series followed by ODIs and a solitary T20I. Australia also featured in three matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan.
Pakistan and Australia share a competitive T20I rivalry, having faced each other 28 times in the shortest format. Australia hold a slight edge with 14 wins, while Pakistan have secured 12 victories. One match ended in a tie, with another producing no result.
