Pakistan face early trouble as rain threatens T20 World Cup opener

The Pakistan Cricket Team (PCT) has arrived in Colombo to start its campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

As per the government's decision, the team will not play its scheduled group-stage match against India on February 15.

Under the ICC playing conditions, a team that does not take the field is deemed to have forfeited the match. As a result, Pakistan will lose the two points from the fixture against India. Pakistan’s full 20 overs will still be counted for net run rate purposes, while India will be awarded the match points without any impact on its net run rate.

The tournament features 20 teams divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Eight stage. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the United States and Namibia. All group matches are scheduled to be played in Colombo.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. The February 15 match against India will be forfeited.

Weather conditions in Colombo could also play a role during the group stage. According to BBC Weather, thundery showers are forecast for February 7, with temperatures expected to reach around 32 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to about 22 degrees at night. Rain is more likely later in the day, while the morning is expected to remain partly cloudy.

With the loss of points from the India match, Pakistan’s remaining group fixtures will be crucial in determining their progress in the tournament.