Red-ball cricket is coming back to Pakistan this November. After the white-ball action of October, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026 will be played over two Tests in Rawalpindi and Lahore, and both matches count towards the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27. If you are searching for the “Pak vs SL Test match schedule” or “Pakistan Sri Lanka Test kab hai”, this guide covers the dates, venues, WTC importance, head-to-head history, how to watch and how to get tickets.
The Test series follows the ODI tri-series with England (18–31 October). You can read our full Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka ODI tri-series 2026 schedule as well.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 Schedule
Sri Lanka arrived in Pakistan in early October for a long tour that began with three T20Is in Rawalpindi and continues with the ODI tri-series. Before the Tests, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a three-day match in Islamabad from 4 to 6 November to get used to the red ball again.
| Match | Dates | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-day match (Sri Lanka) | 4–6 November 2026 | Islamabad | Islamabad |
| 1st Test | 9–13 November 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Rawalpindi |
| 2nd Test | 17–21 November 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium | Lahore |
Start times had not been officially confirmed when this was written. Test matches in Pakistan normally begin at 10:00 am PKT. Please check the PCB website or its official social media pages a few days before each Test for final timings.
Venues: Rawalpindi and Lahore
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pindi Stadium hosted the historic Test in December 2019 that brought Test cricket back to Pakistan after ten years, and fittingly that match was against Sri Lanka. The pitch has a reputation for being flat in recent years, which means big first-innings totals and lots of hard work for bowlers. In November the mornings are cool and there can be a bit of help for seamers early on. Fading light in the late afternoon is a common issue in winter, so days may finish a little early.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was renovated before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and is the home of Pakistan cricket. Pitches here have usually offered a fair contest, with spin coming into play on days four and five. Fans should keep an eye on smog in Lahore during November, which can sometimes affect visibility and outdoor activities.
Why This Series Matters for the World Test Championship
Both Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. Each Test win gives a team 12 points, a draw 4 points and a tie 6 points, and the standings are decided by the percentage of points won. This is only Pakistan’s second home Test series of the current cycle, after South Africa visited in October 2025, so home wins are very valuable.
- For Pakistan: home conditions are their best chance to collect points before tougher away tours.
- For Sri Lanka: away wins in Asia carry the same points but are harder to get, so even one win would be a big boost.
- Slow over-rate penalties can cost points, so captains will try to keep the game moving, especially with short winter days.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long Test rivalry that started in 1982. Before the 2023 series in Sri Lanka, the two sides had played 57 Tests: Pakistan won 21, Sri Lanka won 17 and 19 were drawn. Pakistan then won both Tests in Sri Lanka in July 2023 (Galle and Colombo), taking the overall record to 59 Tests with 23 Pakistan wins.
| Record (all Tests) | Number |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 59 |
| Pakistan wins | 23 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 17 |
| Draws | 19 |
Some memorable moments in this rivalry:
- 2009, Lahore: the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus during a Test at Gaddafi Stadium, after which international cricket left Pakistan for years.
- 2019, Rawalpindi and Karachi: Sri Lanka helped bring Test cricket home. The Pindi Test was drawn because of rain and Pakistan won in Karachi by 263 runs.
- 2023, Sri Lanka: Pakistan won the series 2–0, with Saud Shakeel scoring a double century in Galle and Abdullah Shafique a big double hundred in Colombo.
Head-to-head figures are based on official records up to the end of the 2023 series. Please check the PCB or ESPNcricinfo for the latest numbers.
Players and Conditions to Watch
Squads are usually announced a week or two before the first Test, so we will not guess final names here. However, a few general factors will shape the series:
- Spin in Lahore: both teams have strong spin traditions. Sri Lanka will rely on their spinners on a turning Gaddafi surface, while Pakistan’s spinners will hope for help on days four and five.
- Reverse swing: dry, abrasive Pakistani pitches help the old ball reverse, which has always been a Pakistani strength.
- Top-order batting: long innings matter on flat pitches. Batters who can bat for a full day will decide the results.
- Weather and light: foggy mornings and early sunsets in November can reduce playing time, which makes the draw more likely unless teams play positively.
How to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Matches Live
In Pakistan, home international cricket is usually shown on PTV Sports and private sports channels, with live streaming on official digital partners. The PCB announces broadcast and streaming partners before each home season, so check the official PCB website or app for the final list.
- TV: PTV Sports and other official broadcast partners announced by the PCB.
- Online: the official streaming partner apps and websites (avoid illegal streaming sites, which are full of pop-up ads and malware).
- Live scores: the PCB website, the official PCB app and trusted sports news sites.
- In Sri Lanka, matches are shown on ThePapare TV on Dialog Television.
How to Buy Tickets for the Test Matches
Tickets for home internationals are sold online through the PCB’s official ticketing partner, and sometimes at selected courier outlets. Test match tickets are usually much cheaper than T20 or ODI tickets, and enclosures are often less crowded, which makes Tests a good option for families and students.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Follow the PCB website and social media for the ticket sale announcement. |
| 2 | Buy only from the official ticketing portal named by the PCB. |
| 3 | Keep your original CNIC or B-Form ready; tickets are usually linked to it. |
| 4 | Reach the stadium early; security checks can take time. |
| 5 | Do not carry bags, power banks, lighters or food items that are not allowed. |
Ticket prices and rules change for every series. Please confirm details on the official PCB channels only and avoid buying tickets from unofficial sellers on social media.
FAQs
When does the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026 start?
The 1st Test starts on 9 November 2026 in Rawalpindi. The 2nd Test is from 17 to 21 November 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
How many Tests are in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series?
There are two Tests in the series, and both are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Where can I watch Pak vs SL Test matches live in Pakistan?
On PTV Sports and the official broadcast and streaming partners announced by the PCB. Check the PCB website for the final list.
Who has won more Tests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan lead the head-to-head with 23 wins to Sri Lanka’s 17 in 59 Tests, with 19 draws (records up to 2023).
What time will the Test matches start?
Tests in Pakistan usually start at 10:00 am PKT, but please confirm the official timing from the PCB closer to the match.
That is everything you need to know about the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series 2026. Are you planning to watch the Tests at the stadium in Rawalpindi or Lahore? Which Pakistani player do you think will be the star of the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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