England announce white-ball series schedule against Sri Lanka ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for January-February. England will tour Sri Lanka for the limited-overs fixtures as preparation for the ICC World Cup 2026, which is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026.

England, winners of the T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2022, failed to advance to the finals in the last edition held in the West Indies and the USA. Led by Ben Stokes, England recently played a five-match Test series against India. The Anderson-Tendulkar 2025 series between England and India ended in a 2-2 draw.

England and Wales Cricket Board Announces White-Ball Series Against Sri Lanka

The ECB confirmed that England will travel to Sri Lanka early next year for the limited-overs series in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. As per the statement, the tour will begin with three ODIs from January 22 to 27, followed by a three-match T20I series between January 30 and February 3.

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However, the ECB stated that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will announce the venues. Both teams are expected to gain valuable experience from the series ahead of the World Cup.

"England Men will tour Sri Lanka for two white-ball series ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in early 2026," the statement read.

"The three-match one-day international series will begin on Thursday 22 January and end on Tuesday 27 January. The three-match IT20 series starts on Friday 30 January before concluding on Tuesday 3 February."

"The venues for each match are to be confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket."

England will gain valuable preparation for Indian conditions by playing in Sri Lanka, as both countries offer similar pitch behavior. Unlike in England, where seam bowlers often dominate, Asian surfaces tend to favor spinners.

England Men's Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

England to Face South Africa and Ireland in Next White-Ball Series

England will have a busy white-ball schedule this September, beginning with six home games against South Africa. The ODI leg starts on September 2 at Headingley, with Lord’s (September 4) and The Rose Bowl (September 7) hosting the remaining matches.

As per the schedule, the T20I series will begin on September 10 in Cardiff before moving to Manchester (September 12) and Nottingham (September 14).

Harry Brook, who took over as England’s limited-overs captain earlier this year after the Champions Trophy 2025, will continue leading against the Proteas. However, he will be rested for the subsequent T20I series in Ireland.

In Brook’s absence, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell will step in as captain. He made history as England’s youngest men’s skipper, surpassing Monty Bowden, who first held the record at 23 years and 144 days during a Test against South Africa in the 1888/89 season.

Also read: Shubman Gill named India's all-format captain