New Delhi : Even before the controversy surrounding the T20 Asia Cup trophy between India and Pakistan is fully resolved, the two nations have been scheduled to face off in yet another marquee men’s T20 match. Reports confirm that India and Pakistan will play each other on 15 February in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo.
Just two months ago, in the Asia Cup, India handed Pakistan three successive defeats — including in the final — and claimed the title. However, due to protests from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, the trophy remains undelivered to the Indian side.
India and Sri Lanka are the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup. The match on 15 February between India and Pakistan will be India’s third group-match of the tournament.
India’s Group
India’s group includes Pakistan, the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. India will play their opener on 7 February in Mumbai against the USA — which will also mark the tournament’s opening day. On 12 February in Delhi, India will face Namibia. Then comes the high-profile clash with Pakistan in Colombo. India’s fourth group match is slated for 18 February in Ahmedabad (at the venue of the world’s largest cricket stadium) against the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s Matches
The one-month long T20 World Cup runs from 7 February to 8 March, with three matches scheduled each day. According to arrangements among cricket boards, Pakistan will play all its matches in either Colombo or Kandy.
Tournament Format
The mega‐event features 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight round. In that stage, eight teams will be divided into two groups of four; the top two from each then qualify for the semi-finals.
If India progress
Should India reach the Super Eight stage, their three Super Eight matches would be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. If India qualify for the semi-final, that match would be hosted in Mumbai. If Pakistan reach the semi-final, their match would be in Colombo; if not, the second semi-final is likely to be in Kolkata.
Final in Ahmedabad
The final is scheduled for 8 March in Ahmedabad. However, if Pakistan reach the final, the decisive match may be shifted to Colombo in accordance with the neutral‐venue agreement.
The 20 competing nations
Alongside hosts India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the tournament will feature USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, England, West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Italy, Ireland, Canada, Nepal, Oman and UAE.
India as defending champion
India enter the tournament as defending champions, having defeated South Africa in the final of the 2024 edition under captain Rohit Sharma. Subsequently, Rohit and veterans Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have retired from T20 Internationals.