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Neutral Venue For Indo-Pak Match on February 15

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
  • Nov 21, 2025
  • 510

The India–Pakistan match of the 2026 T20 World Cup is expected to be held on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, marking another high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals at a neutral venue. According to reports, the BCCI has already shared the proposed schedule with the ICC, which is expected to make an official announcement soon.

Neutral Venue Decision Rooted in Earlier Agreement

The decision to stage the fixture in Colombo is a result of an understanding reached between the BCCI and the PCB before the Champions Trophy, under which both teams agreed not to tour each other’s countries due to political and diplomatic constraints. As a result, high-profile India–Pakistan encounters are now increasingly hosted at neutral venues.

Colombo, which earlier hosted the India–Pakistan match in the Women’s ODI World Cup on October 5, is reportedly among three shortlisted Sri Lankan stadiums.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The T20 World Cup is expected to begin on February 7, with the final scheduled for March 8. However, the venues for the semi-finals and final remain dependent on Pakistan’s progression:

  • If Pakistan reaches the final: The final will be played in Sri Lanka.

  • If Pakistan does not make the final: The final will be held in Ahmedabad, India.

No official confirmation has yet been provided by either the ICC or the BCCI.

Host Cities Shortlisted by BCCI

The BCCI has shortlisted major Indian cricket centers to stage matches, including:

  • Ahmedabad

  • Delhi

  • Kolkata

  • Chennai

  • Mumbai

Additionally, Sri Lanka is expected to contribute three venues, with Colombo reportedly leading the list.

Recent On-Field Tensions Escalating

India and Pakistan met three times in the Asia Cup held from September 9 to 28, with India emerging victorious in all three matches. However, the series was overshadowed by visible tension between players of the two sides:

  • Players did not shake hands after matches.

  • Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was seen celebrating with a plane-downing gesture, while Sahibzada Farhan used a gun-shooting celebration.

  • Following India’s win in the final, the Indian team reportedly declined to receive the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, leading to an awkward presentation ceremony with both sides refusing to take the first step.

Historic Rivalry Dominates T20 World Cup Narrative

Since the inception of the T20 World Cup in 2007, both India and Pakistan have had memorable moments in the tournament’s history:

  • India defeated Pakistan in 2007 to win the inaugural title.

  • India won their second T20 World Cup in 2024 after defeating South Africa.

  • West Indies and England have also won two titles each.

  • Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia have won once.

With political complications, growing rivalry, and heightened fan interest, the India–Pakistan fixture remains the most anticipated match of world cricket—regardless of where it is played. The expected Colombo showdown in 2026 is already gathering global attention months before the first ball is bowled.