Tag: india

COLOMBO: Weather conditions could significantly influence the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts pointing to a strong possibility of rain in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Persistent showers and heavy humidity in the hours leading up to the match have raised concerns about interruptions at the R. Premadasa Stadium, potentially impacting both teams in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.

According to the latest weather update, conditions between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM (local time), just before the scheduled toss, remained challenging.

Light rain was reported at 4:00 PM with temperatures around 29°C, although the RealFeel touched 31°C, reflecting muggy and uncomfortable conditions.

Thick cloud cover of 94% hovered above the venue, while humidity stood at 70% with a dew point of 23°C, indicating a sticky atmosphere.

Winds blowing from the north-northeast at 15 km/h, with gusts up to 26 km/h, could offer early movement for seam bowlers.

Visibility was steady at 10 kilometres, though overcast skies dominated, and 0.7 mm of rainfall had already been recorded.

By 5:00 PM, the situation worsened slightly. The temperature dipped to 28°C, but humidity surged to 79%, making conditions more oppressive.

Rain intensified, with 2.5 mm recorded during the hour, while visibility dropped to 6 kilometres and the cloud ceiling lowered to 600 metres, suggesting thicker cloud concentration over the stadium.

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Winds remained consistent at 15 km/h with similar gust speeds.

Looking ahead to the match window between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, cloudy and humid conditions are expected to persist.

Temperatures are forecast to range between 27°C and 26°C, though it may feel closer to 29°C due to humidity levels rising to around 81%.

A steady north-easterly breeze of 13 km/h, with gusts touching 28–30 km/h, could provide slight assistance to seamers under lights.

Cloud cover is predicted to remain complete, while visibility may improve slightly to around 8 kilometres.

With the dew point holding at 23°C, moisture in the air is expected to be significant, meaning dew could become a major factor later in the evening, potentially affecting bowlers’ grip and fielding efficiency.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage. Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have defeated the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for another high-pressure chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I head-to-head record, winning 13 of the 16 encounters, with Pakistan claiming three victories. In T20 World Cup meetings, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

READ: Babar Azam shares mindset ahead of Pakistan-India showdown

COLOMBO: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has opened up about the pressure and emotions surrounding the much-anticipated clash against India, set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Babar reflected on the unmatched intensity that defines a Pakistan-India encounter, describing it as a contest that extends far beyond the boundary ropes.

He noted that such fixtures carry enormous global attention and heightened expectations, making mental composure a decisive factor.

“A Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved, and expectations naturally rise,” Babar said, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion.

Drawing on years of experience in high-pressure contests, the 31-year-old stressed the importance of staying calm and blocking out external noise.

According to him, handling emotions wisely can be the difference between success and failure, particularly for younger players experiencing the hype of the rivalry for the first time.

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“We’ve learnt that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited, but if you remain tension-free and composed, it works in your favour,” he added.

Both sides head into the blockbuster clash unbeaten in the tournament so far.

Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have registered victories against the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the arch-rivals.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I rivalry, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two teams, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup history, India hold a 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.

Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

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COLOMBO: Weather could play spoilsport in the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts indicating a significant chance of rain on Sunday, February 15.

The high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is already surrounded by drama after uncertainty earlier threatened the fixture.

However, while the political and administrative hurdles were eventually cleared, attention has now shifted to Colombo’s unpredictable weather.

According to forecasts, there is around a 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms during the match window, with nearly 2.1mm of rainfall expected.

The conditions raise the possibility of interruptions and, in the worst-case scenario, a complete washout if the weather fails to improve.

As per tournament regulations, both sides would share one point each should the match be abandoned.

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Despite the looming weather threat, the result is unlikely to significantly impact qualification scenarios.

Both teams currently sit at the top of Group A with two wins each, India leading on net run rate.

A washout would move both sides to five points, keeping them firmly on course for a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in this rivalry in the shortest format.

Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have secured three victories.

In T20 World Cup meetings, India lead 6-1, with one encounter ending in no result.

READ: Will Abhishek Sharma be available for India-Pakistan clash?

COLOMBO: India’s preparations for their marquee showdown against Pakistan have been dealt a potential blow, with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma still uncertain for the high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter scheduled on February 15.

The left-handed batter is racing against time to regain full fitness after being hospitalised earlier this week due to a stomach infection.

According to Indian media reports, Sharma has recovered enough to be discharged and rejoin the squad, but lingering weakness continues to concern the team management ahead of the crucial fixture.

Sharma had already missed India’s previous match against Namibia on Thursday, a game the defending champions won comfortably by 93 runs.

Medical staff are closely monitoring his condition, and a final decision on his participation is expected after Friday’s training session in Colombo.

In a recent video update alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh, Sharma revealed the toll the illness has taken on him, sharing that he survived mostly on plain rice and lentils and lost nearly two kilograms during his recovery period.

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India are due to arrive in Colombo from Delhi later tonight as preparations intensify for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries against the Pakistan national cricket team.

The clash, part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, is scheduled for Sunday and carries significant importance for both sides.

The aggressive opener has amassed 1,297 runs in 39 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 194.95, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Against Pakistan, he has scored 110 runs in three appearances at a strike rate of 189.65, registering one half-century.

Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in the shortest format. Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have managed three victories.

In T20 World Cup contests, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

READ: Sialkot Stallionz add domestic trio to squad for PSL 11

DELHI: Hardik Pandya’s all-round skills came to the fore against Namibia, powering India to a 93-run victory ahead of the Pakistan clash in the 18th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

Set a daunting 210, Namibia were skittled for 116 in 18.2 overs.

Namibia’s openers started positively with 33 runs in the first 3.4 overs. Jan Frylinck struck three fours and a six in his 22 from 15 balls.

Despite the wicket, the visitors kept batting briskly as Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Louren Steenkamp put on 34 run stand on the second wicket, bringing the score to 67 in 7.1 overs.

Steenkamp top-scored with 29 from 20 balls, hitting two fours.

After his wicket, skipper Gerhard Erasmus came to the crease and struck two sixes before getting caught. He made 18 from 11 balls.

His wicket sparked a collapse as India never allowed Namibia to recover. Consequently, they slumped to 94-6 to all-out from 86-2 in 18.2 overs.

Earlier, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s rapid half-centuries propelled India to a massive total.

Asked to bat first, India racked up  209-9 in their 20 overs.

Sanju Samson, who was brought into the side as ill Abhishek Sharma’s replacement, started briskly with a flurry of boundaries.

The right-hander hit three sixes in his 22 from eight before getting caught in the second over.

After his wicket, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma stabilized the innings with a 79-run partnership on 39 balls.

Ishan, who struck five sixes and six fours in his 61 from 24, played the core aggressor role while Varma played the second fiddle.

The duo brought the team’s score to 104 from 25 in 7.1 overs.

Namibia’s spin bowlers made an impressive comeback in the middle overs, wicket-quick wickets to dent the hosts’ proceedings.

For India, Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets, while Hardik Pandya also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets.

India will face Pakistan in the high-voltage clash on Sunday, February 15.

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As a result, India were 124-4 in 11.5 overs with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube at the crease.

The pair stitched a vital 81-run partnership off 39 balls, putting their side in a commanding position.

Pandya scored a brisk 52 from 28, including four maximums and four boundaries.

Nambia did well in the final two overs as India lost five wickets in the span of eight balls.

For Namibia, Gerhard Erasmus stood out with four wickets to his name in his quota of four overs.

READ: T20 World Cup: Shanaka record-breaking fifty sinks Oman

COLOMBO: The confirmation of the blockbuster Pakistan–India encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 has reportedly spared the International Cricket Council (ICC) from massive financial losses, with Indian media estimating the figure at around USD 174 million.

According to reports, the projected losses were based on potential setbacks in broadcasting revenue, sponsorship commitments and gate receipts, all of which had been under threat during uncertainty surrounding the high-profile fixture.

The resumption of the match has also triggered a sharp spike in travel activity.

Media reports indicated that airfares between Mumbai and Colombo surged soon after the decision was confirmed, reflecting renewed fan interest in what is widely regarded as cricket’s most commercially valuable contest.

Colombo’s hospitality industry has also welcomed the development.

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Hotel operators revealed that several fans had earlier reached out to cancel bookings after suggesting they would boycott Pakistan’s matches, while others had been inquiring about refund policies for tickets to the Pakistan–India game.

It is worth noting that the Government of Pakistan late Monday night directed the national men’s team to participate in the T20 World Cup clash against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15.

In an official statement, the federal government said the decision followed careful evaluation of multiple factors, including the outcome of recent discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The statement also referenced formal requests from various cricket boards and a telephonic conversation between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the Sri Lankan leader urged a peaceful resolution to ensure the marquee fixture proceeds as scheduled.

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ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has officially confirmed that the national team will take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The announcement was confirmed via the Government of Pakistan’s social media account.

“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the tweet wrote.

“Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations,” it added.

The decision was taken after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shebaz on the outcomes of talks with the ICC.

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“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).”

Pakistan’s government also reviewed requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and support from Sri Lanka, UAE, and others seeking leadership for solutions to recent challenges.

“The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges,” the statement concluded.

For those unaware, the development comes after the Government of Pakistan had instructed the national team not to take the field against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.

READ: ICC reveals outcome of talks with PCB over T20 World Cup row

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday disclosed the details about discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the T20 World Cup 2026 standoff, currently underway in India.

According to the press release statement, Bangladesh will not be fined for missing the T20 World Cup 2026. Additionally, Bangladesh will be awarded hosting rights for an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the press release said.

“As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements,” it added.

Earlier sources said that the clash between Pakistan and India at the T20 World Cup is set to proceed as scheduled following a successful dialogue with the International Cricket Council delegation.

A formal request in this regard has been made to the Government of Pakistan, confirmed PCB’s spokesman Amir Mir.

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The decision was made following a successful meeting in Lahore with the ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja on Sunday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Aminul Islam Bulbul was also present during the high-profile meeting.

For those unaware, the development comes on the back of the much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, which remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.

The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.

The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India due to security concerns, leading to their replacement by Scotland.

In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, which opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stands to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to its net run rate if it forfeits the contest.

READ: Pakistan, India World Cup clash to go ahead as per schedule: sources

The Pakistan and India clash at the T20 World Cup is set to go ahead as per schedule following a successful dialogue with the International Cricket Council delegation, sources confirmed.

A formal request in this regard has been made to the Government of Pakistan, confirmed PCB’s spokesman Amir Mir.

The decision was made following a successful meeting in Lahore with the ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja on Sunday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Aminul Islam Bulbul was also present during the high-profile meeting.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For those unaware, the development comes on the back of the much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, which remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.

The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.

The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India due to security concerns, leading to their replacement by Scotland.

In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, which opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stands to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to its net run rate if it forfeits the contest.

READ: Ali Tareen reacts after Multan renamed Rawalpindi

LAHORE: The meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials is currently underway here on Sunday to revive Pakistan-India clash in the T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources privy to the matter, the outcome of the talks could prove pivotal for the tournament and the future handling of politically sensitive fixtures in international cricket.

The ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, arrived in Lahore in the evening.

According to sources, the ICC has tasked Khwaja with persuading PCB leadership to reconsider Pakistan’s stance, with the governing body keen to reach a compromise that ensures the blockbuster encounter proceeds as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has also urged the PCB to reconsider the boycott decision ahead of the India clash, citing the game’s long-term interests.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

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During the meeting, BCB president Aminul Islam expressed gratitude for the support of Bangladesh’s stance in the World Cup row against India.

PCB CEO Salman Naseer and advisor Amir Mir were also present in the meeting.

For those unaware, the meetings come on the back of the much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.

The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.

The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions following Bangladesh’s refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns, a decision that led to their replacement by Scotland.

In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, who opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stand to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to their net run rate if they forfeit the contest.

READ: Paul Stirling joins Rohit Sharma in elite T20 World Cup list