ISLAMABAD: A significant development unfolded on Pakistan’s cricketing horizon as a three-member Cricket Australia (CA) security delegation wrapped up its inspection of the Gaddafi Stadium, paving the way for the possibility of an extended T20 series between Pakistan and Australia, most likely to be staged in Lahore and Rawalpindi later in January.
The delegation, comprising senior CA security and operations officials, spent a full day reviewing the stadium’s perimeter, access routes, internal facilities, and lodging options available for the visiting squad. The focus remained on evaluating Pakistan’s modernized state-of-the-art VVIP-level security protocols, which have been successfully deployed for recent high-profile international events.
“They were given a comprehensive briefing on multi-layered security arrangements that mirror the protection extended to international heads of state and other high-ranking dignitaries,” a PCB official said. “The visiting team expressed complete satisfaction. Their findings will now be compiled into a formal report for Cricket Australia.”
In what could be a major boost for cricket fans in the region, both boards are considering expanding the originally planned bilateral engagement. Discussions now centre on staging a five-match T20 series, subject to final approval from CA and confirmation of player availability.
The timing appears favourable: the Big Bash League final is scheduled for January 25, 2026, leaving a narrow but workable window for Australia to arrive in Pakistan in the last week of January.
“There is a realistic chance Australia could land in Pakistan soon after the BBL final,” a well-placed source revealed. “If negotiations proceed positively, a five-match T20 series is very much on the table. Both boards understand the value of competitive matches ahead of the ICC World Cup T20.”
Australia and Pakistan will feature in separate groups at the World Cup T20 beginning February 7, making the proposed bilateral series an ideal preparatory platform for both sides. Pakistan, seeking momentum ahead of the mega-event, are keen to host the series on home soil under familiar conditions.
“With the World Cup so close, both teams see this as a valuable opportunity,” the source added. “If the schedule matches the availability of top Australian players, we could see all five matches being approved.” The PCB has reportedly shortlisted Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as potential venues.
