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Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in T20 series on Wednesday as World Cup preparations intensify

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (L) is clean bowled by Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz during the Twenty20 international Tri-Series final cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on November 29, 2025. (AFP/ file)
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Updated 06 January 2026
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Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in T20 series on Wednesday as World Cup preparations intensify

  • The series will help selectors finalize Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup starting next month
  • Pakistan will play all World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, making the series key for adapting to local conditions
Updated 06 January 2026
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting on Wednesday in Dambulla, as the visitors step up preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The series, with matches scheduled for Jan. 7, 9 and 11, is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the World Cup, which begins on Feb. 7. Pakistan will play all of their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the bilateral series an important chance to adjust to local conditions and finalize combinations.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would use the series to assess players and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform,” Salman said at a pre-series news conference.

“Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatize to the conditions as quickly as possible,” he continued.

Salman will continue to lead a T20 side that enjoyed a strong 2025, winning two tri-series tournaments and bilateral series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa. The captain said the management was keen to test emerging players alongside established names.

“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects,” he added. “We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”

Pakistan have had the edge in recent T20 meetings with Sri Lanka, winning three of their last five encounters, including a knockout match at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the final of a tri-series in Rawalpindi.

Wednesday’s opening match will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Dambulla.

Topics: Pakistan v Sri Lanka

Islamabad says engagement with Afghanistan hinges on action against militant groups

Updated 8 sec ago
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Islamabad says engagement with Afghanistan hinges on action against militant groups

  • Tensions have been high between Islamabad and Kabul over the increase in militant attacks inside Pakistan
  • Minister says economic aspects do come in between, but Pakistan's security remains their highest priority
Updated 8 sec ago
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Any engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan depends on concrete action by Kabul against militant groups, Pakistan's commerce minister said on Monday, citing a surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan.

Tensions have been high between Islamabad and Kabul over the increase in militant attacks that Pakistan has blamed on Afghanistan-based militant groups, an allegation denied by the Taliban authorities.

The attacks triggered one of the worst skirmishes between the neighbors in Oct. last year, after Islamabad hit what it called Pakistani Taliban targets inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has since suspended all trade with Afghanistan, despite a ceasefire reached in Doha on Oct. 19.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said on Monday that Pakistan has made it clear at all levels that it could not make any compromise on its security and that militants using Afghan soil need to be "handled."

"If we have to engage in any form, Afghanistan has to address this aspect of terrorism first," he said on X. "In recent months, many such incidents have taken place and we see an increase in it."

There was no immediate response to the statement from the Afghan side, which comes as the suspension of trade between the neighbors has been severely impacting traders on either side of the border.

Kamal said they welcomed any dialogue and ways to facilitate trade but could not pursue them in the presence of militant "safe havens" in Afghanistan.

"Economic aspects do come in between, however, we keep our sovereignty and security as the highest priority," he added.

 

Topics: Pakistan Afghanistan border

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