England set for Sri Lanka tour ahead of T20 World Cup
The two teams will lock horns in three ODIs and as many T20Is, serving as key preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
England have confirmed a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in the lead up to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tour begins with three ODIs starting January 22, followed by a three-match T20I series from January 30.
Serving as vital preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the series will provide England with valuable experience in subcontinental conditions ahead of their tussle for a third T20 World Cup crown, having won the tournament in 2009 and 2022.
The series will mark England’s first white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in over seven years, with their last visit coming in 2018 when they clinched the ODI series 3-1 and also claimed victory in the lone T20I.
The last time both the sides faced each other in a T20I was during England’s victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, where they beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in their group stage clash.
Sri Lanka's upcoming T20I outing comes in the form of a three-match series against Zimbabwe away from home from September 6, while England face off against South Africa at home, starting September 10 in Cardiff.
England seal semi spot despite late Sri Lanka scare | Match Highlights | T20WC 2022
Match Highlights: England secured their place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final with a four-wicket win against Sri Lanka.
Series schedule:
1st ODI - 22 January, 2026
2nd ODI - 24 January, 2026
3rd ODI - 27 January, 2026
1st T20I - 30 January, 2026
2nd T20I - 1 February, 2026
3rd T20I - 3 February, 2026