India-Pakistan match has 99% chance of taking place: Report

As the T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway, the drama surrounding the tournament’s biggest fixture also appears close to a resolution. The much-anticipated India–Pakistan clash is now almost certain to go ahead on February 15, with meetings currently underway to finalise the arrangements.

Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed to IANS that discussions are ongoing, with Colombo emerging as the likely venue for the blockbuster encounter.

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“Meetings are underway, and there is a 99% chance the India–Pakistan match will take place on February 15,” PCB sources told IANS.

Earlier this month, the PCB had stated that Pakistan would not play India in their scheduled Men’s T20 World Cup match in Colombo, following government approval for participation in the tournament under the condition that the team would not face India in solidarity with Bangladesh. The decision triggered widespread concern over the future of the marquee fixture, one of cricket’s biggest revenue drivers.

In response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a strong statement, urging Pakistan to find a mutually acceptable solution and warning against selective participation in global tournaments.

“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms,” the ICC said, adding that such a stance could have significant long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan and the global ecosystem.

On the field, Pakistan opened their campaign with a tense three-wicket win over the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club, overcoming early pressure to register a crucial victory in their Group A opener.

India, meanwhile, kicked off their tournament with a 29-run win over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a commanding unbeaten 84, while Mohammed Siraj, a late replacement for the ill Jasprit Bumrah, returned figures of 3/29. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also claimed two wickets each as India restricted the USA to 132/9 in 20 overs after posting 161/9.

Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, with all their matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India.