The air is thick with anticipation, the sound of leather on willow an echo in the not-too-distant future. For cricket enthusiasts, few things ignite passion like a packed calendar, and knowing the Upcoming Fixtures & Schedule is your golden ticket to the heart of the action. Whether you’re tracking a thrilling international series, following the burgeoning talent in domestic leagues, or keeping an eye on the future stars in junior tournaments, the next few days promise a feast of cricket across the globe.
From January 27th to 31st, 2026, the cricket world doesn't just spin; it accelerates. We're talking pivotal One-Day Internationals, high-octane T20 clashes, crucial qualifiers, and the relentless grind of first-class competitions. It's a period where established rivalries ignite, new talents emerge, and every boundary, wicket, and catch can shift the balance of power. Get ready to mark your calendars, because this isn't just a list of matches – it's your definitive guide to navigating the thrilling cricket landscape unfolding before us.
At a Glance: Your Week of Cricket Action
- International Powerhouses Clash: England, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, UAE, and Ireland are all in action.
- Series Deciders & Openers: Catch crucial 3rd ODIs, and the start or continuation of several T20I series, often setting the tone for tours.
- Domestic Dominance: Major first-class competitions like the Ranji Trophy (India) and CSA 4-Day Series (South Africa) run alongside the President's Trophy (Pakistan).
- Women's Game on Fire: The Women's Premier League (WPL) continues, alongside vital Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
- Future Stars Shine: The ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes progresses with high stakes.
- Global Reach: Matches span from Colombo and Paarl to Visakhapatnam, Lahore, Dubai, Harare, and Vadodara.
Your Essential Guide to the Cricket Calendar Ahead
In the fast-paced world of cricket, staying ahead of the curve means understanding not just when games are, but why they matter. This week is a testament to the sport's global appeal and its diverse formats, offering something for every kind of fan. We'll break down the action day by day, highlighting the marquee matchups and the hidden gems you won't want to miss.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026: A Global Kick-Off
The week explodes into action with a mix of international drama and domestic flair.
International Showdowns:
- England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026: 3rd ODI (Sri Lanka vs England at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
- Time: 9:00 AM GMT / 2:30 PM Local
- This match could be the series decider or a crucial rubber-match. The stakes are immense for both sides as they battle for ODI supremacy in challenging subcontinent conditions. Sri Lanka will be looking to leverage home advantage, while England will aim to assert their white-ball dominance. Expect spin to play a significant role.
- West Indies Tour of South Africa, 2026: 1st T20I (South Africa vs West Indies at Boland Park, Paarl)
- Time: 4:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local
- A blockbuster T20I series kicks off between two power-hitting nations. South Africa, known for their pace and dynamism, will face the West Indies, renowned for their explosive T20 specialists. This opener in Paarl sets the tone for a high-octane series, where every over can be game-changing.
Domestic & Women's Action: - Women's Premier League: 17th Match (N) (Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women at Vadodara)
- Time: 2:00 PM GMT / 7:30 PM Local
- The WPL continues to captivate, showcasing top-tier women's cricket. This evening clash under lights promises fierce competition as both teams vie for crucial points in the league standings. Expect stellar performances from international and domestic stars.
- Indian Street Premier League: Day 1 - 29th Match (N) (Falcon Risers Hyderabad vs Srinagar Ke Veer at Surat)
- Time: 2:30 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local
- Bringing cricket to the streets, the ISPL offers a unique, fast-paced format that's quickly gaining traction. This inaugural day match promises entertainment and raw talent, as teams battle in a format designed for excitement.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Mid-Week Momentum
The action doesn't slow down, with India and New Zealand headlining a day packed with women's qualifiers and first-class battles.
International Spotlight:
- New Zealand Tour of India, 2026: 4th T20I (India vs New Zealand at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
- Time: 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM Local
- With the series potentially on the line, this 4th T20I is poised to be a cracker. India's formidable home record against New Zealand's aggressive white-ball approach ensures a thrilling encounter. The Visakhapatnam crowd will be electric, pushing their team to gain an advantage.
Women's & Youth Cricket on the Rise: - Women's National Cricket League: 23rd Match (Tasmania Women vs Western Australia Women at Hobart)
- Time: 11:30 PM GMT, Jan 27 / 10:30 AM Local, Jan 28
- Australia's premier 50-over competition for women continues, featuring state rivalries and the consistent brilliance of their top players. This morning match is a critical fixture in the league stage.
- Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier Super Six:
- Ireland Women vs Scotland Women at Kirtipur (3:15 AM GMT / 9:00 AM Local)
- Bangladesh Women vs Thailand Women at Mulpani (3:15 AM GMT / 9:00 AM Local)
- Netherlands Women vs United States of America Women at Kirtipur (7:15 AM GMT / 1:00 PM Local)
- These are high-stakes encounters with spots in the T20 World Cup on the line. Every run, every wicket, and every fielding effort will count immensely as these nations battle for glory and qualification. The passion will be palpable.
- ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes, Group 1 (Australia Under-19s vs West Indies Under-19s at Harare)
- Time: 7:30 AM GMT / 9:30 AM Local
- The future stars of cricket collide in the Super Six stage of the U19 World Cup. This match between two strong cricketing nations promises a glimpse into tomorrow's superstars, showcasing raw talent and competitive spirit.
Domestic Endurance: - President's Trophy Grade-I (Day 2 of Jan 27-30 matches at Karachi):
- Ghani Glass vs Sahir Associates
- Khan Research Laboratories vs Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
- Oil & Gas Development Company Limited vs State Bank of Pakistan
- Pakistan Television vs Water and Power Development Authority
- Time: 5:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local
- Pakistan's esteemed first-class competition continues. Day 2 of these matches is where strategic plays and sustained efforts truly define the game. These are crucial matches for teams seeking to dominate the domestic circuit.
- Indian Street Premier League: Day 1 - 30th Match (N) (Ahmedabad Lions vs Bangalore Strikers at Surat)
- Time: 2:30 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local
- Another exciting evening match in the ISPL, bringing innovative cricket to a new audience.
Thursday, January 29, 2026: Major Tours Begin & First-Class Grind
Thursday ramps up with two significant international series kicking off, alongside the traditional grind of multi-day domestic cricket.
Major International Openers:
- Australia Tour of Pakistan, 2026: 1st T20I (Pakistan vs Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
- Time: 11:00 AM GMT / 4:00 PM Local
- This is a marquee series. Pakistan, always a formidable T20 force, welcomes a strong Australian side known for its aggressive brand of cricket. The Gaddafi Stadium will be buzzing as these two giants go head-to-head in the series opener, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic battle.
- Ireland Tour of United Arab Emirates 2026: 1st T20I (United Arab Emirates vs Ireland at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
- Time: 2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local
- An important bilateral series for both nations, offering crucial T20I exposure. The UAE will look to leverage home conditions against an experienced Irish side always ready to punch above their weight.
- West Indies Tour of South Africa, 2026: 2nd T20I (South Africa vs West Indies at SuperSport Park, Centurion)
- Time: 4:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local
- Just two days after the opener, this rapid-fire T20I series moves to Centurion. Teams will have little time to adjust, making tactical decisions and on-field execution even more critical. Expect more fireworks and high-scoring potential.
The Foundation of Cricket: First-Class Action: - CSA 4-Day Series Division 2 (Day 1 of Jan 29 - Feb 01):
- Mpumalanga vs Knights at White River (7:00 AM GMT / 9:00 AM Local)
- South Western Districts vs Easterns at Oudtshoorn (8:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local)
- Limpopo vs Northern Cape at Polokwane (8:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local)
- South Africa's four-day domestic competition highlights the enduring strength of long-form cricket. These Day 1 matches are about laying strong foundations, with batsmen building innings and bowlers looking for early breakthroughs.
- Ranji Trophy (Day 1 of Jan 29 - Feb 01):
- Across Elite Groups A, B, C, and D, 16 matches are set to begin at various venues across India.
- Time: 3:15 AM GMT to 4:00 AM GMT / 8:45 AM LOCAL to 9:30 AM LOCAL
- The Ranji Trophy is the heart and soul of Indian domestic cricket, a crucible where future Test stars are forged. Day 1 sees every team eager to start strong, setting up four days of intense, strategic cricket. Follow the progress of your favorite state teams as they battle for glory and a shot at the coveted title.
- President's Trophy Grade-I (Day 3 of Jan 27-30 matches at Karachi):
- Time: 5:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local
- Day 3 is often considered the moving day in first-class cricket. Teams will be pushing for declarations, setting up chases, or batting to save the game. The tactical battles intensify on this crucial day.
More Women's & Youth Cricket: - Lotus Cup Women's Tri-Series Int’l Final (Hong Kong Women vs TBA at Gelephu)
- Time: 4:30 AM GMT / 10:30 AM Local
- A regional final providing invaluable international experience for women's teams. Finals always bring out the best in players, and this promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
- ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes, Group 1 (South Africa Under-19s vs Sri Lanka Under-19s at Bulawayo)
- Time: 7:30 AM GMT / 9:30 AM Local
- Another crucial U19 World Cup match. The host nation's young talent taking on a skilled Sri Lankan side promises a high-quality contest as teams vie for semi-final berths.
- Indian Street Premier League Day 1 Matches at Surat:
- Srinagar Ke Veer vs Delhi Superheros (12:00 PM GMT / 5:30 PM Local)
- Tiigers Of Kolkata vs Majhi Mumbai (2:30 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local)
- More thrilling street cricket action under lights.
- Women's Premier League: 18th Match (N) (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs UP Warriorz Women at Vadodara)
- Time: 2:00 PM GMT / 7:30 PM Local
- The WPL continues to deliver captivating encounters, and this late-day match will feature some of the biggest names in women's cricket battling it out for league supremacy.
Friday, January 30, 2026: Shifting Gears to T20
Friday brings a strategic shift in the England tour of Sri Lanka, moving from the longer ODI format to the fast-paced T20s.
International T20 Kick-Off:
- England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026: 1st T20I (Sri Lanka vs England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele)
- Time: 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM Local
- After the ODI series, both teams will re-calibrate for the T20 format. This opener in Pallekele is crucial for setting the tone. England's aggressive T20 style against Sri Lanka's nuanced spin will make for a tactical and entertaining match. The switch in format often brings new strategies and different player combinations to the fore, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Saturday, January 31, 2026: Grand Finales and Series Climaxes
The week concludes with a flurry of international T20 matches, including several series finales, promising high drama and decisive outcomes.
Series Climaxes & Deciders:
- Ireland Tour of United Arab Emirates 2026: 2nd T20I (United Arab Emirates vs Ireland at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
- Time: 6:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Local
- This match could be the series decider or a chance for a team to draw level. Early morning conditions in Dubai could offer some assistance to the bowlers before the pitch flattens out, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this bilateral T20I.
- Australia Tour of Pakistan, 2026: 2nd T20I (Pakistan vs Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
- Time: 11:00 AM GMT / 4:00 PM Local
- Following the opener, this second T20I will be pivotal. Depending on the first match's outcome, one team might be looking to seal the series, while the other will be fighting for survival. The atmosphere at Gaddafi Stadium is always electric for Pakistan's matches, promising a memorable contest.
- New Zealand Tour of India, 2026: 5th T20I (India vs New Zealand at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram)
- Time: 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM Local
- The grand finale of this exciting T20I series! This match is almost guaranteed to be a thriller, with both teams pushing for a series victory. Thiruvananthapuram, with its passionate crowd, will provide a fitting backdrop for what could be a nail-biting conclusion to an intense white-ball battle.
- West Indies Tour of South Africa, 2026: 3rd T20I (South Africa vs West Indies at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg)
- Time: 4:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local
- The iconic Wanderers Stadium hosts the final match of what promises to be an explosive T20I series. Known for its quick outfield and pace-friendly conditions, this venue is perfect for a high-scoring encounter. With the series on the line, expect both teams to leave everything on the field in pursuit of victory.
Mastering Your Cricket Viewing: Tips and Tools
Navigating a dense cricket schedule, especially when matches span multiple continents and time zones, requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how you can make sure you catch every moment that matters:
- Utilize Cricket-Specific Apps & Websites: Platforms like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and official ICC websites are invaluable. They offer real-time scores, detailed schedules, news, and even alerts for your favorite teams and matches. Many also provide robust analysis, giving you deeper insights into team strategies and player performances.
- Time Zone Conversion is Key: Always double-check match times against your local time zone. Most reputable cricket sites provide times in GMT/UTC and often convert them to your local time automatically. Pay close attention to the "Local" time provided in schedules to avoid missing out.
- Create Your Own Calendar: A digital calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar) allows you to add specific matches and set reminders. This is particularly useful for tracking multi-day Test or first-class matches where sessions can run long.
- Understand the Stakes: Before a match, quickly check the series standing or league table. Is it a series decider? A must-win for qualification? Knowing the context enhances the viewing experience immensely.
- Look Beyond the Scoreboard: While runs and wickets are crucial, delve into player form, head-to-head stats, and venue history. A batsman with a great record at a specific ground or a bowler who consistently troubles a particular opposition provides fascinating subplots.
- Plan Your Streaming: If you're relying on streaming services, ensure you know which platform holds the broadcasting rights for different series in your region. Services like Willow TV, Kayo Sports, Sky Sports, or Hotstar often carry international cricket, but coverage varies by geography. Sometimes, understanding the nuances of how sports are broadcast, including platforms like All about Directa La Roja, can open up new viewing avenues, especially for international games.
Beyond the Pitch: What These Fixtures Mean for Teams and Fans
Each match, whether an international blockbuster or a domestic grind, plays a role in the larger narrative of cricket.
- International Tours: These are critical for national team rankings, player development, and fostering global rivalries. Performance in these tours directly impacts confidence, sponsorship, and preparation for major ICC events. For fans, it's a chance to see the best compete and celebrate national pride.
- Domestic Leagues: Competitions like the Ranji Trophy and CSA 4-Day Series are the lifeblood of cricket, acting as a crucial proving ground for emerging talent. They ensure a steady pipeline of skilled players ready to step onto the international stage. These matches are about endurance, strategy, and the fundamental skills of cricket.
- Women's Cricket: The growth of the WPL and the intensity of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers highlight the increasing prominence and professionalism of women's cricket. These fixtures aren't just games; they're milestones in breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female athletes globally.
- Under-19 World Cup: This tournament is a treasure trove for talent scouts and fans alike, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport. The Super Sixes stage is particularly intense, showcasing the mental fortitude and skill required to perform under pressure at a young age. Many legends began their international journey here.
- Emerging Formats (ISPL): The Indian Street Premier League exemplifies innovation in cricket, adapting the game for new audiences and environments. These matches are about speed, accessibility, and pure entertainment, helping to broaden cricket's appeal.
Common Questions & Misconceptions About Fixtures
Even seasoned fans have questions about the ever-evolving world of cricket schedules.
How accurate are these schedules?
Official schedules released by cricketing boards (like the ICC, BCCI, ECB, CA, etc.) are generally highly accurate. However, cricket, like any live sport, can be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather (rain, bad light), security concerns, or even broadcasting adjustments. Always verify with official sources close to the match date.
Why do schedules change so often?
Cricket schedules are complex, involving multiple stakeholders: international boards, host nations, broadcasters, and player availability. Changes can occur due to:
- Weather: Rain delays or unplayable conditions are common in many cricketing nations.
- Logistics: Travel, venue availability, and ground staff readiness.
- Player Welfare: Managing player workload, especially across formats and international commitments.
- Broadcasting Needs: Adjustments for optimal viewing times in key markets.
- Political or Security Concerns: Rare, but these can necessitate significant schedule alterations.
How do I watch these games if I'm in a different country?
Broadcasting rights are territorial, meaning different channels or streaming services have exclusive rights in specific regions. For international matches, major sports networks (e.g., Sky Sports in the UK, Fox Sports/Kayo in Australia, Willow TV in the USA/Canada, Star Sports/Hotstar in India) typically carry the games. For domestic leagues, check official league websites for streaming partners. Many fans also explore a variety of online sports platforms to ensure they don't miss any action.
Are these fixtures set in stone so far in advance?
Major international tours are often planned years in advance, with specific dates and venues usually confirmed 6-12 months prior. Domestic leagues and shorter series might have their schedules finalized closer to the event. While the core framework remains, minor tweaks can happen closer to the match date. The information provided here for late January 2026 is based on confirmed reports and is highly reliable.
Ready for the Roar of the Crowd?
The final days of January 2026 are shaping up to be an unforgettable period for cricket fans. From the strategic depths of an ODI series decider to the electrifying pace of T20 finales, and the foundational battles of first-class cricket, the upcoming fixtures and schedule offer a comprehensive spectacle. You've got your guide, you know the players, and you understand the stakes. All that's left is to tune in, follow the drama, and immerse yourself in the beautiful game. Get ready to witness some incredible cricket!