Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup 2026 Expected Squads and changes
2026-02-14 - 16:56
COLOMBO – Cricket fans around the world are in for a rollercoaster as the archrivals India and Pakistan finally face off in the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup after a dramatic last-minute reversal by Pakistan. Men in Green initially boycotted the match in protest of Bangladesh’s expulsion for refusing to play in India, sparking tense political and sporting drama. But after frantic negotiations with ICC, Bangladesh, and tournament co-host Sri Lanka, Pakistan is back and the stage is set for fireworks. Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup 2026 Squads Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Mirza, Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson/Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah For the unversed, Pak and India had already agreed in 2024 that their matches would take place at neutral venues, regardless of hosting duties. Bangladesh’s refusal was unsanctioned and led to their removal — explaining why Pakistan can play in Sri Lanka. India-Pakistan clash has triggered a tourism frenzy. The 35,000-capacity stadium is sold out, hotel prices have soared, and flights from major Indian cities have spiked. Early February estimates show 20% of visitors to Sri Lanka are here solely for this match. The government hopes high-profile cricket will position Sri Lanka as a neutral venue for tense South Asian fixtures, while fans like Lahore’s Mian Sultan are splurging $800 on front-row seats. The clash comes in heels of Asian Cup 2025, where India edged Pakistan by five wickets. That match was remembered for the off-field tension, including India refusing handshakes and declining the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi — who also doubles as Pakistan’s cricket board chief and interior minister. ICC T20 WC 2026: Mohsin Naqvi, Jay Shah expected to watch Pakistan-India match together