India and Pakistan have planned separate practice schedules ahead of their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. The Pakistan squad will train in the afternoon on Saturday, while the Suryakumar-led team is set to practice later in the evening, keeping their preparations separate before the clash.
India are set to take on Pakistan in a Group A game of the World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo. After two matches each, both teams have collected four points. Pakistan are second in the table, while India are at the top of the group standings due to a better net run rate.
India, Pakistan to Train Separately Ahead of T20 World Cup Clash in Colombo
The ICC has confirmed separate training plans for both teams at the stadium. Pakistan will train first and then attend a media interaction. India will train later in the evening before a media interaction.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“Pakistan will have a training session at the RPICS from 14h00 to 17h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 13h45,” ICC stated.
“India will have a training session at the RPICS from 18h00 to 21h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 17h30,” the ICC statement added.
India Get Warm Welcome in Colombo Ahead of Pakistan Clash
India received a warm welcome when they landed in Colombo on Friday. Local dancers and drummers greeted the team at the airport, creating a festive atmosphere. Arshdeep Singh drew attention after he danced to the drumbeats, and the moment quickly went viral on social media.
India will hope to control the game against Pakistan and deliver a strong performance on the field. Batters like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma are expected to play key roles with the bat.
Abhishek Sharma is recovering from illness and will look to bounce back after a poor outing in India’s tournament opener. Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh have strong past records against Pakistan.
Tilak Varma will also take confidence from his good performance against Pakistan in the most recent Asia Cup final. With Sri Lankan pitches often helping spinners, Varun Chakravarthy could play an important role with the ball in this match.
Pakistan Hold Preparation Advantage Over India in Colombo
Pakistan look better prepared than India for the match in Colombo. The Men in Green have spent more time in Sri Lanka, staying in Colombo for two weeks, playing at the SSC, and training at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
India will get only one intense training session before Sunday’s game. This gives Pakistan a clear advantage, as they know the conditions well. In many ways, Pakistan almost feel like the home team, and this match is their best chance to cause an upset.
If Pakistan fail to take advantage of these conditions, this contest can no longer be called a close rivalry. India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue have won seven matches, while Pakistan have managed just one victory.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma ruled out of India vs Pakistan match? Official medical bulletin issued
