Sri Lanka plans heightened security for India–Pakistan clash at T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed security units during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with particular focus on the high-profile India–Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Colombo, officials said.

The tournament will take place from February 7 to March 8. India and Pakistan are set to meet in a Group A match in Colombo on February 15, with the possibility of further encounters later in the competition.

Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have historically drawn heightened security attention due to longstanding political tensions between the two countries.

Security concerns have increased following a brief border conflict between the neighbours last year.

Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the government has given the highest priority to ensuring the safety of players and the smooth conduct of the tournament. He said special attention would be given to fixtures involving India and Pakistan.

Security officials said elite commando units, typically tasked with protecting visiting heads of state, will be deployed to safeguard all participating teams.

Armed security personnel will escort players from their arrival at the airport until their departure from the country.

Pakistan’s matches were moved out of India after Islamabad declined to play there due to political tensions, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Pakistan’s fixtures to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh had also requested the relocation of its matches, citing security concerns, but the ICC rejected the request and later replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.

Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance during the dispute. Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said Colombo was not seeking involvement in regional political issues and remained open to hosting future tournaments if requested.