New Delhi: India and Pakistan may face each other on February 15 next year at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium during the T20 World Cup, according to early reports. The venue had earlier hosted the India–Pakistan women’s ODI World Cup match on October 5. Sources indicate that the BCCI has submitted its proposed schedule to the ICC, which is expected to make an official announcement soon.
The T20 World Cup is likely to begin on February 7, with the final scheduled for March 8. However, the venues for the semifinals and final could change depending on Pakistan’s progress in the tournament. If Pakistan fails to reach the final, the championship match may take place in Ahmedabad. If Pakistan qualifies, the final will be shifted to Sri Lanka. Neither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued a formal statement on the schedule yet.
India has shortlisted five venues—Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai—for hosting matches. Sri Lanka will contribute three venues, with Colombo expected to be one of them.
The decision to host the India–Pakistan match in Colombo comes after an understanding reached between the BCCI and PCB during the Champions Trophy discussions. Both boards agreed that future matches between the two sides would be held at neutral venues due to strained bilateral relations.
India and Pakistan met three times during the Asia Cup held from September 9 to 28, and India emerged victorious on all three occasions. The tournament also witnessed tense moments, including players avoiding handshakes and controversial celebrations. After India’s win in the final, the Indian team declined to receive the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, forcing the presentation to be cancelled.
