The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced an exciting international fixture for the Indian women's cricket team ahead of the much-anticipated Women's Premier League 2026 season. In a significant development for women's cricket enthusiasts, India will host Sri Lanka for a five-match T20 International series in February 2026, serving as crucial preparation for both teams before the WPL extravaganza.
Complete Series Schedule and Venues
The bilateral series will kick off with the opening T20I on February 9, 2026, setting the stage for an intense cricketing contest between the two Asian rivals. The action will continue with the second match scheduled for February 11, 2026, followed by the third encounter on February 14, 2026. The series will reach its climax with the final two matches taking place on February 16 and 18, 2026 respectively.
All five matches of this important series will be played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, providing consistency in conditions for both teams and allowing fans to enjoy high-quality cricket at a single premier venue. The selection of this modern stadium underscores BCCI's commitment to hosting women's cricket at top-tier facilities across the country.
Strategic Timing Before WPL 2026
The scheduling of this five-match T20 series demonstrates careful planning by cricket administrators. The series will conclude just before the Women's Premier League 2026 season begins, allowing players from both India and Sri Lanka to enter the franchise tournament with valuable match practice and competitive rhythm.
This arrangement benefits multiple stakeholders in women's cricket. National teams get meaningful international competition, domestic players receive exposure to international standards before the WPL auction, and fans enjoy additional high-stakes cricket beyond the franchise tournament. The timing also ensures that international stars participating in WPL will arrive in India with recent match experience under their belts.
Broader Impact on Women's Cricket
This extended bilateral series represents a significant step forward in the calendar planning for women's cricket. Unlike the often-criticized short series that have characterized women's cricket in the past, this five-match engagement provides substantial playing opportunities for squad players and emerging talents.
The series holds particular importance for Indian women's cricket as it continues to build on the momentum generated by successful WPL seasons. With the Indian team showing consistent improvement in recent years and the domestic structure strengthening through WPL, such international fixtures provide the perfect platform to test bench strength and build team cohesion.
For Sri Lankan women's team, the tour offers valuable exposure to Indian conditions and the opportunity to compete against one of the strongest teams in women's cricket. The experience gained during this series could prove invaluable for their players, especially those likely to feature in WPL 2026.
The announcement reflects the growing stature of women's cricket in the subcontinent and the increasing commercial viability of extended bilateral series. Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting contest between two competitive teams, with the added context of WPL preparations making every performance significant for individual players and team combinations.
