Tag: Pakistan

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: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza lavished praise on his side after sealing an emphatic 20-run victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The result marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, as Zimbabwe outplayed the former champions in all departments to continue their impressive run.

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe produced a confident batting effort to post a competitive 169-2.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a steady 64 off 56 deliveries, striking seven boundaries. Meanwhile, captain Sikandar Raza added late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls.

For Australia, only Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis managed to pick up wickets as Zimbabwe built a strong foundation.

Zimbabwe inflicted a poor start on Australia as they were reduced to 29-4 inside five overs.

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A fighting 77-run stand between Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw briefly revived the chase, but the rising required rate kept mounting pressure.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 146.

Sikandar Raza took to X and praised his team for defeating a strong Australian side.

“This team. No words to describe what we all feeling today but we are aware what lies ahead and in sha Allah we remain committed and focused,” he wrote.

“Keep praying for us and in sha Allah we keep going,” Raza added.

Interestingly, this was only the second T20 World Cup meeting between the two sides, with Zimbabwe now holding a perfect 2-0 record after also defeating Australia in the inaugural 2007 edition.

With back-to-back wins, including their earlier victory over Oman, Zimbabwe have strengthened their chances of progressing to the next round. They are set to face Ireland and Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixtures.

Australia, meanwhile, must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

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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.

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COLOMBO: Sahibazada Farhan’s gutsy half-century and Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat the USA in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Sinhaleese Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set stiff 191, USA fell short by 32 runs despite Shubham Ranjane’s valiant half-century.

USA openers started positively with a 42 run parntership in 4.5 overs.

Andries Gous struck two boundaries before getting caught for 13. Meanwhile, Shayan Jahangir played briskly and took USA to a good score at the end of the PowerPlay.

However, the momentum shifted once fielding restrictions were lifted, as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws to slow down USA.

The pressure reaped high rewards in the form of skipper Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir’s wickets. Patel managed only three while Jahangir departed for a well-made 49 from 34 balls, striking two sixes and five fours.

At this stage USA were 69-3 in 10.2 overs as Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane came to the fore.

The pair put on a 54-run partnership from 35 balls, with Ranjane playing the core aggressor’s role. However, the asking rate creeping up, it was not going to be an easy task for USA batters.

Consequently, USA fell wickets at regular intervals despite Ranjane reaching his half-century.

He was eventually trapped lbw in the final over, scoring 51 from 30 balls, striking three sixes and three fours.

Usman Tariq remained the pick of bowlers for Pakistan, returning with the figures of 3/27 in four overs.

Earlier, Sahibazada Farhan, Babar Azam, and a late cameo from Shadab Khan took Pakistan to a strong total.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up 190-9 in their 20 overs.

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a strong start with a 54-run partnership in 5.1 overs.

However, USA quickly turned the momentum back with back-to-back wickets. Saim was the first to go, scoring 19 from 17 with the help of two sixes. The second one was skipper Salman Ali Agha, losing his wicket on the final ball of the powerplay.

The right-hander only managed one from three balls.

As a result, Pakistan were 56 at the end of the powerplay with Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan at the crease.

The pair launched a recovery as USA bowled a few tight overs to restrict the new batter Babar Azam from going big.

Pakistan’s scorecard read 85-2 at the halfway mark of the innings.

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After a slowdown, Sahibzada and Babar soon took advantage of Harmeet Singh’s 12th over. The pair accumulated 21 runs from the over to boost the run-rate and took the score from 101 to 122.

Babar Azam finally finds his groove, hitting six and two boundaries in the over to take his runs tally to 32.

However, USA made a comeback in the 15th over as Babar departed after scoring 46 from 32 balls. In the next over, Harmeet nabbed Farhan as USA made a strong comeback.

Sahibzad top-scored with 73 from 41 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes.

Consequently, Pakistan were reduced to 145-4 in 16 overs.

After a brief slowdown, Shadab Khan played a blinder to lift their hopes of reaching the 200-run mark. He made 30 off just 12 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six.

USA bowled well in the final two overs as Pakistan slumped from 177-5 to 190-9 at the end of their innings.

For USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk remained the standout bowler with four wickets to his name.

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HOBART: Pakistan men’s hockey team endured another setback in their FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign, falling 3-2 to Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Tuesday.

Australia took control early, with Tim Brand scoring in the first quarter to put the hosts ahead. Tim Brand doubled the lead in the second quarter, giving Australia a 2-0 advantage as they dominated the opening half of the match.

Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, with Ahmad Nadeem and Sufyan Khan netting goals within five minutes to level the scores at 2-2, raising hopes of a draw.

However, Australia clinched the victory in dramatic fashion when Blake Govers converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves the Pakistan hockey team winless in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan will look to regroup as they face Germany on February 11, before taking on Australia again on February 13 and Germany once more on February 14.

For the unversed, before arriving in Australia, the side had suffered four consecutive losses during the Argentina leg, including defeats against hosts Argentina and the Netherlands.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

In their final game of the first leg, Pakistan suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

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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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COLOMBO: The United States of America (USA) have drafted Pakistan-born fast bowler Ehsan Adil into their squad ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against the Green Shirts, following an injury setback in the camp.

Adil replaces right-arm pacer Jasdeep Singh, who was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a right shoulder injury during a warm-up fixture against New Zealand on February 5.

The Event Technical Committee (ETC) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approved Adil’s inclusion, a mandatory requirement for any mid-tournament replacement.

The 32-year-old seamer previously represented Pakistan in three Tests and six One Day Internationals but is yet to make his international debut for the USA.

His addition is expected to bolster the American pace attack ahead of a crucial phase of the tournament.

The ETC overseeing the approval process comprises ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan, IBC representative Gaurav Saxena, host representative Hemang Amin and independent member Shaun Pollock.

Meanwhile, the USA are coming off a 29-run defeat against India in their opening match at the Wankhede Stadium.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s fighting half-century, combined with a disciplined bowling display, proved decisive as the Americans fell short in their chase.

Pursuing a target of 162, the USA managed 132 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs despite showing glimpses of resistance.

USA squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane and Ehsan Adil

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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