COLOMBO: Pakistan faces defending champions and arch-rivals India today in Colombo in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
The Group A match carries significance beyond cricket. Political tensions have long shadowed the rivalry. In May 2025, India and Pakistan engaged in a brief military confrontation. Washington later brokered a ceasefire.
Tensions have spilled onto the cricket field. During last year’s Asia Cup, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart before the toss. India’s team declined handshakes in all three matches, sparking protests from Pakistan.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s government initially announced it would boycott the World Cup match in solidarity with Bangladesh. Scotland replaced Pakistan in another fixture after Bangladesh refused to play in India over security concerns. Islamabad later reversed its boycott following negotiations with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“The game should be played in real spirit, the way it has been played since it started,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said at Saturday’s pre-match press conference. “The rest is up to them.”
Yadav did not confirm if India would shake hands. “We are here to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls tomorrow,” he said.
Political tensions have prevented bilateral series for years. India has not visited Pakistan since 2008. Pakistan played in India for the 50-over World Cup in 2023 but has since faced India only at neutral venues in ICC tournaments.
India holds a strong record in the rivalry. They have beaten Pakistan 12 times in 16 T20 matches. In T20 World Cups, India leads 6-1 with one tie since 2007.
“We don’t have a good record against them in World Cups,” Agha admitted. “But every match is a new day. We’ve learned from history and will try to perform well tomorrow.”
Both teams have won two matches so far. India defeated the USA and Namibia, while Pakistan beat the Netherlands and the USA.
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The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage. The match is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.
