India and Pakistan have planned separate practice schedules ahead of their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. The Pakistani team will train in the afternoon on Saturday, while the Suryakumar-led side is set to practice in the evening, keeping aside their preparations ahead of the clash.
India on Sunday, 15 February at Colombo’s R. They are set to face Pakistan in the World Cup Group A match at the Premadasa Stadium. After two matches each, both the teams have collected four points each. Pakistan is placed second in the table, while India tops the group standings due to better net run rate.
India, Pakistan will train separately before the T20 World Cup match in Colombo.
The ICC has confirmed separate training plans for both the teams at the stadium. Pakistan will first take training and then participate in media interactions. India will undergo training before interacting with the media in the evening.
“Pakistan will hold a training session at the RPICS from 14:00 to 17:00 local time and will interact with the media in the press conference room at approximately 13:45,” the ICC said.
“There will be a training session in the RPICS from 18:00 to 21:00 local time in India and an interaction with the media in the press conference room around 17:30,” the ICC statement said.
India gets warm welcome in Colombo before clash with Pakistan
When he reached Colombo on Friday, India was given a warm welcome. Local dancers and drummers welcomed the team at the airport, creating a festive atmosphere. Arshdeep Singh caught everyone’s attention by dancing to the beats of the dhol and this moment quickly went viral on social media.
India will hope to control the game against Pakistan and put in a strong performance on the field. Batsmen like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Tilak Verma are expected to play an important role with the bat.
Abhishek Sharma is recovering from illness and will be looking to bounce back after a poor performance in India’s opening match of the tournament. The previous record of Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh against Pakistan is strong.
Tilak Verma will also be confident after his good performance against Pakistan in the recent Asia Cup final. Sri Lankan pitches often help spinners, so Varun Chakravarthy can play an important role with the ball in this match.
Pakistan maintains lead over India in preparations in Colombo
Pakistan seems better prepared than India for the match to be held in Colombo. The men in green have spent more time in Sri Lanka, staying in Colombo for two weeks, playing in the SSC, and R. Took training at Premadasa Stadium.
India will get only one intensive training session before Sunday’s game. This gives Pakistan a clear advantage, because they know the circumstances very well. In many ways, Pakistan almost feel like the home team, and this match is their best chance to pull off an upset.
If Pakistan fails to take advantage of these circumstances, then this encounter cannot be called a close rivalry. India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue have won seven matches, while Pakistan has managed only one win.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma out of India vs Pakistan match? Official medical bulletin released
