West Indies to host Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2026 home season – West Indies Announce Packed 2026 Home Schedule Against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan
A Summer of Cricket Returns to the Caribbean
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially confirmed a bumper 2026 home season, promising fans an exhilarating period of international competition. The calendar is set to feature high-stakes encounters against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, with the Test matches playing a crucial role in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. This announcement brings a sense of anticipation for cricket enthusiasts as the regional board looks to inject new energy into the sport through its ‘WI OUTSIDE!’ initiative.
Sri Lanka Leads the Way in June
The 2026 festivities commence with a comprehensive tour by Sri Lanka. The white-ball leg of the series is scheduled to take place at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, from June 3 to June 14. Following the limited-overs action, the focus shifts to the longer format. The two-Test series, which holds significant importance for the World Test Championship standings, will be hosted at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, starting June 25 and July 3 respectively.
New Zealand and the Logistics of Cooperation
The tour by New Zealand brings a five-match ODI series that will now span two countries. Initially, all matches were destined for Guyana, but logistical challenges necessitated a collaborative shift. CWI Chief Executive Chris Dehring explained that following discussions between the governments of Guyana and Barbados, a shared hosting arrangement was finalized. The first three ODIs will take place at Guyana’s National Stadium, while the final two encounters move to the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados, spanning from July 11 to July 21.
Pakistan Closes Out the Season
The home season concludes with a visit from Pakistan, featuring two pivotal Test matches. These fixtures, scheduled for late July and early August, are set to be held in Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25 to 29, with the second Test moving to the historic Queen’s Park Oval from August 2 to 6. These matches are vital for the West Indies as they aim to improve their current standing in the ICC World Test Championship table.
The ‘WI OUTSIDE!’ Movement
Beyond the statistics and venue logistics, CWI is promoting the season under the vibrant banner of ‘WI OUTSIDE!’. According to Chris Dehring, this initiative is more than just a marketing slogan; it is an invitation to celebrate the unique culture and passion synonymous with Caribbean cricket. The campaign seeks to engage fans, encourage them to fill the stadiums, and reclaim the electric atmosphere that has historically defined the sport in this region. The CWI leadership has emphasized that the goal is to make the entire summer feel like a regional movement, fostering a deeper connection between the team and its supporters.
Full 2026 Home Season Schedule
Sri Lanka Tour
- June 3: 1st ODI, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 6: 2nd ODI, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 9: 3rd ODI, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 11: 1st T20I, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 13: 2nd T20I, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 14: 3rd T20I, Sabina Park, Jamaica
- June 25-29: 1st Test, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
- July 3-7: 2nd Test, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
New Zealand Tour
- July 11: 1st ODI, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
- July 13: 2nd ODI, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
- July 16: 3rd ODI, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
- July 19: 4th ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados
- July 21: 5th ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados
Pakistan Tour
- July 25-29: 1st Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
- August 2-6: 2nd Test, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago
As the West Indies look to climb from the bottom of the World Test Championship table, these upcoming home series provide the perfect stage to rebuild momentum and showcase the enduring spirit of Caribbean cricket.
