T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka President thanks PM Shehbaz Sharif as Pakistan government agrees to playing India match in Colombo

Uncertainty surrounding the high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been laid to rest, with confirmation that the marquee fixture will proceed as scheduled on February 15 at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. The match had come under speculation after an earlier post from the Pakistan government hinted that the Men in Green would compete in all games of the tournament except the one against India, triggering widespread concern among fans and stakeholders. 

Given the global significance of an India–Pakistan encounter at an ICC event, the situation drew immediate attention. With broadcasters, tournament organisers, and supporters awaiting clarity, discussions were held at multiple levels to ensure the continuity of the competition and the integrity of the tournament schedule.

The matter was addressed publicly by the President of Sri Lanka, who took to his official 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) handle to thank Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the International Cricket Council for the confirmation that the match would go ahead as planned.

Thank you Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned.

As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the @ICC and all concerned for their efforts. Sri Lanka hasn’t forgotten the solidarity shown by both India and Pakistan during the 1996 World Cup, when they played in Colombo at a time when others refrained due to security concerns.

The reference to the 1996 Cricket World Cup carries particular weight, as Sri Lanka hosted matches involving India and Pakistan during a period of heightened security concerns. That decision remains a defining moment in the country’s cricketing history and underlines its longstanding role as a dependable host for major international fixtures.

With confirmation now in place, attention turns firmly back to the cricket. The India–Pakistan contest remains the most anticipated fixture of the tournament, both for its on-field rivalry and global audience interest. The decision ensures continuity in the World Cup schedule while reaffirming the ICC’s commitment to safeguarding the sport.