The India-Pakistan rivalry is all set to take centre stage once again, with both teams scheduled to face each other at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The full tournament schedule has been officially released on Tuesday, November 25, but early reports have already revealed some key details, including the date and venue of the high-voltage clash.
India and Pakistan last met in the 2025 Asia Cup, where Suryakumar’s side dominated the contest, beating their rivals three times in a row on their way to the title. With India entering the 2026 edition as defending champions, expectations are sky-high once again.
T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK match – Date and Time
The India-Pakistan match will be played on February 15, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Although India are co-hosts for the tournament along with Sri Lanka, all India-Pakistan fixtures will take place on neutral soil as part of a pre-decided arrangement meaning Sri Lanka will serve as the host for the marquee clash.
T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK – Venue
The BCCI has shortlisted five Indian venues for the event: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka is expected to host matches across three locations, including Colombo. India set to play against Pakistan in Colombo.
T20 World Cup 2026, Team India’s Group for T20 World Cup 2026
India have been placed in a relatively manageable group, featuring a mix of established and emerging cricketing nations. The group consist of India, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia and USA
India are expected to kick off their campaign on February 7 against the USA in Mumbai, followed by their second group match against Namibia on February 12 in Delhi. The Men in Blue will wrap up the group stage against Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad. All India matches will be starting at 7 PM IST.
India Aim to Defend Their Crown
India come into the tournament as defending champions, having beaten South Africa in a dramatic final in 2024. But this World Cup marks the beginning of a new era, one without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom retired from T20Is after lifting the trophy.
With a fresh squad, a home crowd behind them, and a high-stakes clash against Pakistan early in the tournament, India’s 2026 T20 World Cup journey promises to be one of the most closely watched campaigns in recent memory.
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