Cricket’s most intense rivalry is set to take centre stage early in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in the group stage. The highly anticipated fixture is set for 15 February at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, promising a spectacle that will captivate fans across the globe.
The match will mark yet another chapter in a rivalry steeped in history and drama. This encounter has consistently delivered thrilling finishes, spectacular performances and unforgettable moments, and expectations are already sky-high.
Group Placement Confirmed
Speculation had surrounded whether India and Pakistan would meet in the group stage, particularly amid lingering political tensions following the Pahalgam attack. The ICC has now confirmed that both teams will compete in the same group, alongside the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. This guarantees a high-octane encounter long before the knockout rounds.
India’s Schedule and Form
India, the defending champions, will begin their campaign on 8 February against the United States at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They will then take on Namibia on 12 February at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, before locking horns with Pakistan in Colombo. India will conclude their group stage fixtures at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on 18 February.
India enter the tournament in formidable T20 form. The side secured three victories over Pakistan in the Asia Cup in September, including triumphing in the final in Dubai. More recently, they clinched a 2–1 series win over Australia in a five-match T20 series. A further five-match T20 series against South Africa in December will serve as crucial preparation.
Pakistan’s Preparations
Pakistan, meanwhile, are hosting a tri-nation T20 series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to build momentum and fine-tune their squad. The team aims to address inconsistencies and reinforce their lineup ahead of what is expected to be one of the most-watched matches in cricket history.
With two of the sport’s most formidable teams set to clash, the group-stage showdown promises an electrifying start to the T20 World Cup, offering drama, intensity and global attention from the very first ball.