The India vs Pakistan clash at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 has turned the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, into a fortress. This high-voltage match is scheduled for Sunday (February 15) in Colombo.
Sri Lankan Police have made very strong security plans for the India vs Pakistan clash at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. They are not taking any chance.
Armed guards deployed for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash
Security will stay with the players until they return to the airport after the end of the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. Police spokesman FT Wootler was quoted as saying by PTI, “We, the Sri Lanka police, have organized a very special traffic and security arrangement.”
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He also revealed that the security officials are to deploy armed guards “from the time both teams step out of the airport. They will be provided armed guards till they return to the aircraft.”
Fans have also received clear instructions for the much-awaited India vs Pakistan game. Fans have been asked to reach the stadium at least four hours early for the 7 PM IST start. The gates will open at 3 PM. Authorities want smooth entry and no last-minute rush outside the ground.
Wootler added, “All the gates would be opened by 3 pm. We request the public, if possible, to make it as early as possible to the ground.”
Boycott scare, U-Turn, sold-out crowd and T20 World Cup record
The tickets for India vs Pakistan are completely sold out. But the buildup to this T20 World Cup 2026 group match was full of drama. Earlier, Pakistan had announced they would boycott the India match to show support for Bangladesh, who were thrown out of the tournament by the ICC after refusing to travel to India due to invalid security concerns.
Then serious discussions started between the PCB, ICC, and BCB. Even Sri Lanka also requested Pakistan to reconsider. Finally, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reversed the decision, and later, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked him for the call.
This match will be India’s first game away from home in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Both India and Pakistan have won their first two matches and remain unbeaten.
Well, this will be the ninth time when India and Pakistan meet in the T20 World Cup. India has won seven times, while Pakistan has won only once, including that famous 10-wicket victory in 2021 against Virat Kohli’s team in Dubai.
No favorites in India vs Pakistan game, says MSK Prasad
Earlier, former Indian chief selector and former wicketkeeper-batter MSK Prasad denied calling the Men in Blue favorites to beat Pakistan in Colombo. He said that whoever gets used to the conditions early and plays accordingly will win the high-profile clash on Sunday.
Prasad was quoted as saying by India Today: “It’s a 50-50 game. You can’t really pick a favorite because this is their home ground. A lot will depend on how quickly India can get used to the conditions and the ground dimensions.”
His statement justifies the current situation, as Pakistan has settled in Colombo, while India just landed, and both teams have talented spinners and are in good form so far.
