England to host Pakistan for Test series in 2026

England will host Pakistan for a three-match Test series in the summer of 2026 as part of a packed international cricket season, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

The season will see England Men’s and Women’s teams in action across all formats, with five touring sides, including Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.

Ben Stokes’ Test side is scheduled to take on Pakistan in three Tests, beginning on 19 August at Headingley, Leeds, followed by the second match at Lord’s on 27 August, and the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 9 September.

Pakistan's tour is part of the Rothesay Test series, which also includes matches against New Zealand earlier in the summer. Meanwhile, the England Men’s white-ball squad, now led by Harry Brook, will play limited-overs series against India and Sri Lanka, featuring both Metro Bank ODIs and Vitality T20Is.

On the women’s side, England Women will take on New Zealand, India, and Ireland in bilateral series across formats. A historic summer lies ahead, as England will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 from 12 June to 15 July, marking the first time since 2009 that the global tournament will be held in the country.

Adding to the landmark summer, Lord’s will host an England Women’s Test match for the first time, with the one-off fixture against India scheduled for 10 July.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould called it a momentous season, particularly for the women’s game.

“The highlight of the summer will undoubtedly be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, hosted here in England for the first time since 2009. It’s a huge moment for the women’s game, for Nat Sciver-Brunt and her team, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and fans,” Gould said.

He added: “We’re thrilled that Lord’s will also host an England Women’s Test match for the first time, marking a really special period for the women’s game.”

On the men’s side, Gould said the schedule was packed with exciting contests.

“I’m sure fans will be excited to watch Ben Stokes’ and Harry Brook’s England teams. The Men's red-ball and white-ball teams both offer so much in the way of entertainment. It's terrific to see so many different nations coming over to compete, and we can expect another summer of big crowds and fantastic cricket.”