The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially announced a thrilling international cricket calendar for the 2026 summer, with Pakistan’s return for a three-Test series being one of the major highlights. This much-anticipated red-ball series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27, and will be played from August 19 to September 13 across three of England’s most iconic cricket venues: Headingley, Lord’s, and Edgbaston.
This series marks Pakistan’s first Test tour of England since 2020, reigniting one of international cricket’s most storied rivalries. With high expectations on both sides, the series is expected to draw massive interest from fans globally, especially following England’s 2-1 loss during their 2024 tour of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s 2026 Test Tour of England – Fixtures:
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1st Test: August 19–23 – Headingley, Leeds
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2nd Test: August 27–31 – Lord’s, London
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3rd Test: September 9–13 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Both teams will look to make a strong start to their WTC 2025–27 campaign, with England eager to bounce back after a challenging previous cycle, and Pakistan aiming to assert dominance early in the championship race.
England’s Full Men’s International Schedule – Summer 2026
Test Series:
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England vs New Zealand (3 Tests):
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June 4–8 – Lord’s, London
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June 17–21 – The Kia Oval, London
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June 25–29 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
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England vs Pakistan (3 Tests):
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August 19–23 – Headingley, Leeds
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August 27–31 – Lord’s, London
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September 9–13 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
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White-Ball Series:
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England vs India (5 T20Is, 3 ODIs) – July 1–19
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England vs Sri Lanka (3 T20Is, 3 ODIs) – September 15–27
These high-voltage series will feature top talents including Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and leading stars from visiting nations, ensuring a summer packed with unforgettable cricket.
Women’s Cricket Takes Center Stage
Adding to the excitement, England will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from June 12 to July 15, marking the first time the tournament returns to England since 2009. In another historic move, Lord’s will host its first-ever Women’s Test match, where England Women will face India from July 10–14.
England Women’s Fixtures Include:
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Series against New Zealand (May)
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Series against India (May–July)
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ODI series vs Ireland (September)
A Word from the ECB
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould shared his excitement:
“The highlight of the summer will undoubtedly be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It’s a historic moment for the women’s game and an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation.”
“With strong fixtures against Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, both our men’s and women’s teams will have an action-packed season ahead. We expect big crowds, intense matches, and world-class entertainment.”
Stay tuned for what promises to be a blockbuster summer of cricket in England in 2026, with unforgettable moments across all formats and major international stars lighting up the English grounds.