Pakistan vs India: Will rain in Colombo affect the high-voltage T20 World Cup match

The most-anticipated game of the T20 World Cup is set to attract over a billion eyeballs when India take on archrival Pakistan at Colombo on Sunday with uncertainty aplenty still surrounding world cricket’s marquee matchup.

Political and diplomatic tensions between the two nations have often boiled over on to the cricket field.

Sunday’s game will be the first time the teams have met since last year’s acrimonious Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates which was won by India and where players refused to shake hands.

RAIN CONCERNS

With fans eagerly waiting for the much-anticipated fixture, weather forecasts had earlier warned of heavy rain between Sunday afternoon and evening, casting fresh doubts over the match.

Jerseys of India and Pakistan are sold outside the stadium before the match. Reuters

However, the prospects of rain affecting the match are decreasing with Sri Lanka's meteorological department forecasting that a cloud cover will remain over Colombo's skies.

The possibility of a rain-curtailed encounter has prompted team management to consider a tactical reshuffle, with conditions likely to dictate the final combination.

The Men in Green may bolster their pace arsenal if overcast and damp conditions prevail. Express pacer Naseem Shah and left-arm quick Salman Mirza are firmly in contention for inclusion. Salman, who did not feature against the US, could be drafted in alongside Naseem to exploit any assistance on offer from a moist surface.

Salman Agha (L) speaks with head coach Mike Hesson during a training session. AFP

While the team management has kept its cards close to the chest, indications are that up to four changes in the playing XI are under consideration.

If Pakistan opt for a pace-heavy attack, at least two spinners could make way, depending on how the pitch shapes up closer to match time. Usman Khan’s place may also come under scrutiny as management weighs experience, form, and tactical balance.

HANDSHAKE SAGA

In the lead up to the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he believed it was up to the Indian players to decide whether they will shake hands with his team before and after Sunday’s game.

"It has been the norm in cricket for years but whatever way they want, we will only know tomorrow," he said while speaking on the handshake controversy between the two teams, where the Indian side refused to engage in the customary handshake with the Pakistani players — including at toss between the captains.

Fans hold India's national flag as they cheer from the stands before the start of the T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match. AFP

India had faced Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, including in the September 28 final in Dubai, but refused to shake hands with their opponents before or after any of the matches — resulting in a controversy and uproar among cricket fans and fraternity.

"This is a very big game, and the magnitude is huge," said Agha. "We were always ready for the game, whatever be the decision."

"We are in good momentum and I hope that being in Colombo since the start will help us in terms of conditions. We have to play good cricket to win the match," noted the Pakistani skipper.

The winner will be guaranteed of their berth in the next Super Eights round.

India have a doubt over explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been suffering with a stomach biug.

"I hope he plays tomorrow. I hope he's recovering well," said Agha. "We want to play against the best, good luck to him."

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, for his part, was non-committal.

A cameraman follows Suryakumar Yadav on to the field before the start of the T20 World Cup cricket match. AP

"Why are you highlighting that?” Suryakumar asked reporters on the eve of the game. "We are here to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls tomorrow. We will see tomorrow.”

Pakistan’s government threatened a boycott of Sunday’s match after the International Cricket Council kicked Bangladesh out of the World Cup for refusing to play matches in India, citing security concerns.

Pakistan only agreed to play after intense discussions with the ICC. The fixture is the major revenue earner for the ICC.

Pakistan's Babar Azam, second left, warms up with teammates before the start of the T20 World Cup match. AP

Tensions came to a head in the Asia Cup when Suryakumar refused to shake hands with Agha. Heated moments followed between the two sides throughout the tournament, with Suryakumar and Pakistan’s Haris Rauf fined for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct.

India went on to win the Asia Cup but refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

"The game should be played in real spirit, the way it has been played since it started. The rest is up to them (India), what they want to do,” Agha told media on Saturday about the possibility of the players shaking hands.

India has not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 and Pakistan visited India for the 50-over World Cup in 2023 but has since played ICC tournaments at neutral venues.

India has defeated Pakistan 12 times in the 16 T20 games they have played. It also has an impressive 6-1 record in the eight T20 World Cup matches since the first edition in 2007, with one being tied.

Agencies