Pakistan and India are set to renew their rivalry on February 15 in Colombo during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with the ICC officially releasing the tournament schedule in Mumbai on Tuesday, November 25.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since their three intense encounters at the Asia Cup 2025.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the match will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium and will be India’s third group fixture.
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Both teams have been placed in the same group alongside USA, Netherlands and Namibia.
The World Cup, running from February 7 to March 8, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will play all their matches either in Colombo or Kandy.
While, India will open their campaign on February 7 against USA in Mumbai.
Their second match is scheduled for February 12 against Namibia in Delhi, followed by the much-anticipated showdown with Pakistan.
Their final group game will be against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.
The group stage will feature three matches per day across various venues.
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The event will follow the same format used in the 2024 edition, with 20 teams divided into four groups of five.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, which will form two further groups of four.
The leading two sides from each Super Eight group will qualify for the semi-finals, followed by the final.
If India advance beyond the group stage, their Super Eight matches will be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
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If they reach the semi-finals, their match will be played in Mumbai.
The ICC is considering Colombo or Kolkata for the other semi-final, depending on whether Sri Lanka or Pakistan qualify.
The final is set for Ahmedabad but could shift to Colombo if Pakistan reach the title match.
A total of 20 teams will feature in the tournament, including hosts India and Sri Lanka, along with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman and UAE.
India enter the event as defending champions after defeating South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados.
