T20 World Cup: Pakistan, Ireland warm-up match called off due to rain in Colombo

Pakistan and Ireland were denied match practice ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after their scheduled warm-up game was washed out by rain in Colombo.

Persistent bad weather meant neither side could take the field, forcing officials to abandon the fixture when conditions failed to improve. It was the only warm-up match planned for both teams before the tournament begins on February 7.

Pakistan come into the World Cup on the back of a strong 3-0 T20I series win over Australia, where their batters and spinners outplayed the visitors on slow, turning pitches in Lahore.

Similar playing conditions are expected in Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will play all of their group matches, including the much-anticipated fixture against India on February 15.

That match, however, has become uncertain after the Pakistani government directed the team not to play against India.

In the tournament draw, Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, the Netherlands, the United States and Namibia. Ireland, meanwhile, will compete in Group B, which also includes Australia, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.