PAK vs IRE T20 World Cup Warmup 2026 toss delayed due to rain; Colombo weather update

PAK vs IRE match has been delayed due to rain [Source: X]

In an unfortunate turn of events, the toss for Pakistan's all-important T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against Ireland has been delayed due to rain. As a result, the much-awaited contest at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will get a delayed start.

Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan recently landed in Sri Lanka to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite the PCB being at loggerheads with the ICC over boycotting the high-voltage clash against India over Bangladesh's controversial ouster from the tournament, the Pakistani contingent arrived in Sri Lanka right in time for the warm-up fixtures.

However, rain played spoilsport in their first warm-up encounter against Ireland, with the toss getting delayed due to an incessant downpour.

Sinhalese Sports Club Colombo weather update

As reported by Pakistani journalists on the social media platform X, it's raining cats and dogs at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, the venue for Pakistan's first T20 World Cup warm-up match against Ireland. The ground is currently under cover, and the chances of a washout are significantly high.

According to AccuWeather, although the temperature in Colombo will remain around 32 degrees Celsius, the probability of precipitation is 60 per cent this evening. The city might even witness thunderstorms, making the chances of a cricketing contest absolutely bleak. If the match is called off, players from Pakistan and Ireland will lose a massive opportunity to fine-tune their skills for the main event, starting February 7.

It's worth mentioning this is Pakistan's only match in the T20 World Cup 2026 warmups. If the game against Ireland gets abandoned, the Men in Green will straightaway meet the Netherlands in their first group-stage match.

Pakistan to play 3 matches at Sinhalese Sports Club

The Sinhalese Sports Club, which recently underwent renovation, will host Pakistan's three matches in the T20 World Cup.

While the Pakistan government has officially withdrawn from the mega clash against India, supposed to be held at R. Premadasa Stadium, their remaining three group-stage fixtures will take place at a single venue.

Now, the interesting part of the story is that seven out of 61 ODIs have been abandoned at the Sinhalese Sports Club. As Pakistan has opted out of the India clash, their Super Eight qualification chances will massively dip if one of the three remaining encounters concludes in a washout.

Having said that, the PCB has yet to write formally to the ICC regarding its stance to boycott the India clash. So, although their government has announced that the Pakistani players won't take the field against India on February 15, the Men in Green may be forced to do otherwise if rain plays spoilsport in their T20 World Cup matches against the Netherlands and the USA.