West Indies to host Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2026 home season – West Indies Announce 2026 Home Schedule: Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan Tours
A Summer of Cricket Returns to the Caribbean
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially confirmed a thrilling home schedule for the 2026 season. The men’s team is set to face three formidable international opponents—Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan—in a summer that promises to showcase the distinct passion and energy of Caribbean cricket. The announcement highlights a renewed focus on delivering a high-quality experience for both players and supporters under the vibrant banner of the WI OUTSIDE! initiative.
The Sri Lanka Series: A Diverse Challenge
The 2026 home campaign begins with a comprehensive tour by Sri Lanka. The visitors will engage in a variety of formats, starting with white-ball fixtures scheduled at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, running from June 3 to June 14. This leg will include three ODIs and three T20I matches. Following the white-ball action, the focus shifts to the longest format of the game, with two critical Test matches taking place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, from June 25 to July 7. These matches serve as a vital opportunity for the West Indies to climb the ICC World Test Championship standings, as the team currently sits in ninth position following a challenging run in the 2025-27 cycle.
New Zealand and the Logistics of Cooperation
The New Zealand tour, scheduled for mid-July, will focus exclusively on ODI cricket. Originally planned solely for Guyana, the five-match series will now be shared between the Guyana National Stadium and the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados. CWI chief executive Chris Dehring explained that the shift was necessitated by logistical challenges, which were addressed through a collaborative agreement between the governments of Guyana and Barbados to share the hosting duties and associated operational costs. This partnership ensures that fans in both territories will be able to witness the action firsthand.
Pakistan’s Visit and the World Test Championship
The home season concludes with a visit from Pakistan for two high-stakes Test matches in Trinidad & Tobago. The first Test is slated for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25 to 29, followed by the second at the historic Queen’s Park Oval from August 2 to 6. As these matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship, they carry significant weight for the West Indies as they look to improve their standing on the global table.
The Spirit of WI OUTSIDE!
Beyond the statistics and venue changes, CWI is promoting this summer as a cultural movement. According to Chris Dehring, the WI OUTSIDE! campaign is designed to celebrate the unique atmosphere that only the Caribbean can provide. By inviting fans to fill the stands and embrace the pride of West Indies cricket, the board aims to transform the summer into a regional celebration. The initiative seeks to reconnect with the fans, emphasizing that the sport is fundamentally about the people, the culture, and the unmatched energy that emerges when the region rallies behind the maroon.
Full 2026 Schedule at a Glance
Sri Lanka Tour
- June 3, 6, 9: ODIs at Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 11, 13, 14: T20Is at Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 25-29: 1st Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
- July 3-7: 2nd Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
New Zealand Tour
- July 11, 13, 16: ODIs at Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
- July 19, 21: ODIs at Kensington Oval, Barbados
Pakistan Tour
- July 25-29: 1st Test at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago
- August 2-6: 2nd Test at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad & Tobago
With a blend of white-ball excitement and the tactical intensity of the World Test Championship, the 2026 season stands as a pivotal moment for West Indies cricket to re-establish its strength on the international stage.
