IND-PAK clash on 15 February in Colombo:Ahmedabad likely to host T20 World Cup 2026 final on March 8; ICC event begins on 7 February

The much-awaited match between India and Pakistan in next year’s T20 World Cup could take place on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. According to reports, the BCCI has submitted a proposed schedule to the ICC, and the official announcement is expected soon. The Women’s ODI World Cup match between the two teams was also held at the same venue earlier on October 5. The upcoming T20 World Cup is likely to begin on February 7, with the final scheduled for March 8. The venues for the semifinals and final will depend on where India and Pakistan stand in the tournament. The venue depends on Pakistan’s qualification status Reports suggest that if Pakistan does not qualify for the final, the India-Pakistan match could be hosted in Ahmedabad. However, if Pakistan reaches the final, the match will be played in Sri Lanka due to political and travel restrictions. So far, neither the ICC nor the BCCI has made any official statement regarding the schedule. Also read: Shubman Gill seeks specialist’s opinion in Mumbai for neck injury: Indian Test captain released from squad ahead of Guwahati Test Team India enters the tournament as the defending champion after defeating South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Why Colombo for India vs Pakistan? The decision to hold the rivalry match at a neutral venue is based on an agreement between the BCCI and PCB made before the Champions Trophy. Both cricket boards agreed that they would not tour each other’s countries and would play major events at neutral grounds. Multiple venues shortlisted in India, Sri-Lanka to co-host Five Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai, have been shortlisted to host matches during the tournament. In addition, three venues in Sri Lanka have also been identified, including Colombo, which is expected to host the marquee clash. The last T20 meeting between India and Pakistan took place in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 9, where India secured a thrilling 5-run victory. Also read: ‘Thankful to BCCI, don t want to over-think’: Rishabh Pant set to make Test captaincy debut in Guwahati; Gill’s replacement decided but unrevealed The T20 World Cup began in 2007, when India defeated Pakistan in the final to win the first-ever title. After 17 years, India lifted the trophy again in 2024. India, West Indies and England are the only teams to have won the T20 World Cup twice, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia have claimed it once each.