Colombo, Sri Lanka – Archrivals India and Pakistan are set to clash in a politically-charged T20 World Cup 2026 group match on February 15 in Colombo, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Tuesday.

The 20-team tournament will be held across eight venues – five in India and three in Sri Lanka – running from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

Pakistan to Play All Matches in Sri Lanka

Due to tense political relations with India, Pakistan will play all their group-stage games in Sri Lanka. The final is scheduled for Ahmedabad, India, on March 8 but would be moved to Colombo if Pakistan reaches it.

The announcement comes after a military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May 2025, which overshadowed the Asia Cup 2025. During that tournament, India refused to accept the winners’ trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s interior minister and the Asian Cricket Council chief.

Group Stage Format

The tournament is divided into five groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage, and the top four from that stage moving on to the semifinals.

Group A: India, Pakistan, United States, and one more team.
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Group C: England, West Indies, Italy, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE.

Key Players

Defending champions India will start their campaign against the United States in Mumbai on February 7. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to spearhead India’s bowling attack, while Pakistan will rely on players like Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead their pace department.

The India-Pakistan T20 World Cup rivalry remains one of cricket’s most anticipated matchups, combining high-stakes cricket with political tension, making February 15 a date fans across the globe will be eagerly watching.