England to tour Sri Lanka for the white-ball series before ICC T20 World Cup 2026

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Published at :August 20, 2025 at 7:08 PM

Modified at :August 20, 2025 at 7:08 PM

IND vs ENG: England announce playing 11 for 1st T20I against India, England, England T20I team, IND vs ENG

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The venues for the six white-ball games between England and Sri Lanka will be announced later.

As part of their preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the England men’s cricket team, captained by Harry Brook, will visit Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in early 2026.

For England, the T20I series is even more significant since it serves as crucial training for the ICC T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. England, the 2010 and 2022 champions, lost to India in the semi-finals of the previous tournament. This time, the Three Lions plan to go all the way and win a record-breaking third championship.

The last time the Englishmen visited the Island Nation was in January 2021, when they won a two-match test series 2-0. In September 2026, Sri Lanka will tour for three ODIs and three T20Is, marking the two teams’ next encounter on English soil.

England to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Sri Lanka to prep for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka cricket team, ODI, T20I, SL vs AUS — KANDY, SRI LANKA – NOVEMBER 17: Sri Lanka players celebrates the wicket of Will Young (not in picture) of New Zealand during the One Day International Series match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Sameera Peiris/Getty Images)

The first game of the ODI series will be played on Thursday, January 22. The third and final ODI is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, while the second ODI is scheduled for Saturday, January 24. After the ODIs, focus will shift to the tour’s T20I phase, which begins on Friday, January 30.

On Sunday, February 1st, the second T20I will take place, and on Tuesday, February 3rd, the third T20I will conclude the series.

Dates have been announced for our men's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and February 🇱🇰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Read more 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 20, 2025

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will reveal venue details closer to the tour. Other details are still pending. The T20I series will be especially significant for England as they prepare for the World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host.

England Men’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 schedule

ODI Series:

1st ODI: England v Sri Lanka – Thursday, 22 January 20262nd ODI: England v Sri Lanka – Saturday, 24 January 20263rd ODI: England v Sri Lanka – Tuesday, 27 January 2026

T20I Series:

1st T20I: England v Sri Lanka – Friday, 30 January 20262nd T20I: England v Sri Lanka – Sunday, 1 February 20263rd T20I: England v Sri Lanka– Tuesday, 3 February 2026

How many games will England play on their tour to Sri Lanka?

England will play three ODIs and three T20Is on their tour to Sri Lanka.

When will the SL vs ENG series begin?

The SL vs ENG series will begin on 22nd January 2026.

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JNS

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