Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah [Source: AFP]The Pakistan cricket team has started preparing for the 2027 World Cup, and the team management is planning a white-ball series to get ready for the big tournament. In a major development, Pakistan will host another ODI and T20I series in January 2027 as part of their preparation. Notably, this series will help the team test players, improve performance, and build a strong squad for the 2027 World Cup.Pakistan started preparing for 2027 World CupThe 2027 World Cup will be the 14th edition of the tournament. It will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The tournament is scheduled to take place in October and November 2027. Therefore, all teams have already started planning and preparing for the competition.Notably, the Men in Green are currently trying different combinations in the team. During the recent Bangladesh tour, the team included several new players to test their skills and performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the team as captain during this period. The squad included six players who had not played international matches before. The series ended with Bangladesh winning 2–1, and Pakistan lost the series. Ireland tour of Pakistan 2027Pakistan are set to host Ireland for a white-ball series in January 2027. Notably, this will be Ireland’s first tour to Pakistan. The series will include three T20Is and three ODIs. This series is important as it will give the Green Shirts more match practice before the World Cup.Originally, Ireland were supposed to play a home series in Pakistan earlier, although the series was postponed to 2027 due to scheduling issues. Now the series will finally take place in 2027.It is important to note that Pakistan and Ireland have played seven ODIs against each other. Pakistan have won five matches, and Ireland have won one match. In T20Is, the two teams have played five matches, where Pakistan have won four matches and Ireland have won one match. Also Read: BCCI Locks India Squad for 2027 World Cup; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Selected?Meanwhile, reports also suggest that a third team may be included in this competition, which could turn the series into a tri-series.Busy cricket schedule for Pakistan in 2026The year 2026 will be very busy for Pakistan cricket. At present, players are participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). After that, Zimbabwe are expected to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20 matches. The dates for this series are not confirmed yet, although it will be an important part of Pakistan’s preparation for major tournaments.In June 2026, Pakistan are expected to host Australia for a three-match ODI series. After that, Pakistan will travel to the West Indies for a two-Test series.During the summer, Pakistan will also tour England for a three-Test series. The matches will be played in Leeds, Lord’s, and Birmingham. Later in November, Sri Lanka will visit Pakistan for two Test matches. This series will likely conclude Pakistan’s cricket calendar for the year.At the beginning of 2027, New Zealand will tour Pakistan for a two-Test series. The exact dates will be announced later. Notably, this series will be another important challenge for Pakistan as they continue preparing for the 2027 World Cup.Also Read: Virat Kohli Issues Official Warning To RCB Teammates In His 1st Address For IPL 2026
