IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 (Source:X)Finally, the wait is over, and it is time for the much-awaited match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India will face Pakistan on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The IND vs PAK match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.Ahead of the blockbuster IND vs PAK encounter, the ICC has officially confirmed separate training schedules for India and Pakistan at the stadium. The decision ensures both sides can prepare without overlapping sessions, maintaining security protocols and logistical clarity following days of uncertainty.India, Pakistan to train separately for mega clashIt is important to note that Pakistan will train at the venue first, with their practice session scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time. The Men in Green will also address the media at the Press Conference beginning around 1:45 PM. Later in the evening, India will take over the ground for their training session from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by a media interaction at approximately 5:30 PM."Pakistan will have a training session at the RPICS from 14h00 to 17h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 13h45," ICC stated."India will have a training session at the RPICS from 18h00 to 21h00 local time and hold a media interaction at the Press Conference Room starting around 17h30," the ICC statement added.Boycott drama ends as Pakistan Government clears IND vs PAK clashThe scheduling announcement comes after a period of political tension that briefly cast doubt over the fixture. Pakistan had earlier boycotted the match in solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter was expelled from the tournament for refusing to play its games in India. The situation created uncertainty for India vs Pakistan clash for T20 World Cup 2026.However, following extensive discussions involving the ICC, tournament co-host Sri Lanka, and the PCB, the Pakistan government reversed its decision and cleared the team's participation. The dramatic U-turn restored the fixture to the schedule, bringing relief to millions of fans worldwide.Pakistan to benefit from extended Colombo preparationPakistan may hold a slight edge in terms of preparation for the much-awaited IND vs PAK clash. The Salman Ali Agha-led side has been stationed in Colombo for nearly two weeks, playing matches at the SSC.Their familiarity with local conditions, including pitch behaviour and evening dew factors, could give them an advantage.In contrast, the team led by Suryakumar Yadav will have just one full training session at the venue ahead of Sunday’s contest. Despite limited time in Colombo, India entered the match with strong momentum. They recently secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, strengthening their position at the top of Group A thanks to a superior net run rate.Pakistan, meanwhile, registered a dominant win over the USA in Colombo after surviving a close contest against the Netherlands earlier in the tournament. With both teams level on points, this IND vs PAK clash could be decisive in determining the group leader and shaping the path to the Super 8 stage.
