Sri Lanka Cricket assured maximum security for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, which will take place in Colombo. Notably, India and Pakistan share long-standing political tensions, which have also had a significant impact on their cricketing relations. These ties further deteriorated following Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgham terror attack, after which India launched Operation Sindoor in response, aiming to curb cross-border terrorism.
Sri Lanka cricket on India vs Pakistan security
Sri Lanka will host 20 of the 55 T20 World Cup matches, including six Super Eight matches, with special focus on the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash on February 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
Elite commando units, typically assigned to protect visiting heads of state, will be deployed to ensure the safety of all teams and the smooth conduct of the tournament. Given the sensitivity of the fixture, Sri Lanka has placed the India vs Pakistan clash at the top of their priority list, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage telling AFP that the country is giving “special attention” to the Group A encounter.
“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards," an official said while speaking to AFP.
Why India vs Pakistan clash taking place at a neutral venue?
India and Pakistan have a contract that the neighbouring nations will play against each other in the ICC venues at a neutral venue after the Indian government refused to send their team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing players' safety.
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T20 World Cup 2026
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to start from Feburay 7, defending champions India will start their campaign against the United States on the same date at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs USA | February 7 | Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai |
| India vs Namibia | February 12 | Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi |
| India vs Pakistan | February 15 | R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo |
| India vs Netherlands | February 18 | Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad |
India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh