After weeks of political noise, ICC meetings, boycott threats and last-minute U-turns, Team India have finally landed in Colombo for the much-awaited IND vs PAK clash at the T20 World Cup 2026. Late on Friday night, pictures of the Indian squad arriving at Colombo airport began circulating on social media.
A few hours earlier in Delhi, captain Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were seen entering the airport terminal before boarding the flight. India handed a 93-run shellacking to Namibia in the capital before reaching Colombo at around 9:00 PM IST on Friday after a four-hour flight.
Pakistan had earlier threatened to boycott the February 15 game in solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC replaced them with Scotland. There were demands for increased ICC revenue share, revival of bilateral ties and even a return to post-match handshakes. After warnings of sanctions and pressure from multiple boards, including Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and with Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), Pakistan eventually agreed to play, taking the U-turn.
Fascinatingly, Abhishek Sharma travelled with the team despite his availability concerns. The star opener missed the previous game due to a stomach infection. Instead, India had to include Sanju Samson, who is woefully out of form at the moment. After the New Delhi game, Varun Chakaravarthy gave a positive update on Abhishek’s health. He was present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as well, and if he has a decent training session in Colombo without any issues, India will slot him right back in the playing XI against Pakistan.
Pakistan hold the advantage, India arrive undercooked
If there was ever a game where Pakistan walked in with the edge, this might be it. They have been in Colombo for nearly two weeks, trained at the Premadasa Stadium and played at the SSC. Even on the eve of India’s arrival, Pakistan trained from 6 to 9 pm in a full session. In contrast, India reached Colombo after 9 pm and will get just one intense training session before Sunday.
India also carry a few fitness concerns. Abhishek Sharma’s availability remains uncertain after missing the last game. Washington Sundar is returning from injury, while Jasprit Bumrah is only just back from illness. Despite that, India remain favourites. That is how the rivalry has shaped up in recent years. India have a 6-1 head-to-head record against Pakistan at T20 World Cups.
Meanwhile, there are rain predictions during the matchday. Rain’s a concern for the match on Sunday. Forecasts say showers are likely to hit the city for around 4 hours, and everyone’s keeping their fingers crossed it holds off till the game is done.
Cricket
ICC chairman Jay Shah & PCB head Mohsin Naqvi likely to watch IND vs PAK in Colombo
