প্রকাশ্যে ভারত-পাক মহারণের দিনক্ষণ, কিন্তু কলকাতায় পেল এই বড় ম্যাচ!

Due to political tensions and security concerns, Pakistan has refused to play in India. As a result, the ICC has introduced a “hybrid model.” According to this arrangement, all of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be held in Sri Lanka. Even if Pakistan makes it to the semifinals, those matches too will take place there. And if India and Pakistan meet in the final? That match will also be played at a neutral venue.

While this decision enhances security assurances, it has also stirred mixed emotions among cricket fans in both countries. An India–Pakistan match is synonymous with intensity, emotion, and electrifying atmosphere — and this time, that atmosphere will engulf the stands of Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium.

India will begin their campaign on 7 February in Mumbai against the USA. But all eyes are unmistakably fixed on 15 February — the day the two neighbours collide in Colombo. More than just cricket, the match will spark political chatter, media frenzy, and a tidal wave of fan emotion.

In their recent meetings, India has maintained dominance, but in the T20 format, Pakistan is always dangerous. Colombo’s humid pitch, the evening dew factor, and the psychological element of a neutral venue — all of these could make the match unpredictably thrilling.

India’s group is comparatively easier, but the Pakistan match remains the toughest challenge for Suryakumar Yadav’s squad. This will be Suryakumar’s first World Cup as captain, and millions of eyes will be watching his sharp cricketing mind and innovative batting under pressure.

Pakistan, too, may arrive with a refreshed team. Their combination of skilled bowling and unpredictable batting has often troubled India. Their strong record on neutral grounds adds another layer of caution for India.

At a time when political relations between the two nations remain strained, Sri Lanka will provide a diplomatically balanced and welcoming stage for the most anticipated match of the tournament — with the stadium filled with flags of both countries and fierce rivalry in the stands.

বিশ্বকাপে ভারত থেকে বঞ্চিত বাংলা, এমন কি ঘটল?

India will begin their campaign on 7 February in Mumbai, playing against the USA. The most high-profile clash — India vs Pakistan — will be held on 15 February, not in India but in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Under the hybrid model, all of Pakistan’s matches, including a potential semifinal, will be hosted in Sri Lanka. If India and Pakistan both reach the final, that match too will be held at a neutral venue.

However, one major surprise is that Kolkata’s Eden Gardens did not get a single India match in the group stage. This has already triggered political debates and discussions.

Is the Group Stage Easy for Suryakumar Yadav’s Team?

India has been placed in a relatively easy group. Apart from Pakistan, their group includes the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA.

India vs USA – 7 February, Mumbai

India vs Namibia – 12 February, Delhi

India vs Netherlands – 18 February, Ahmedabad

World Cup Venues

Although World Cups generally have eight venues, due to the hybrid model, eight venues have been shared between India and Sri Lanka.

India’s five venues: Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi

Sri Lanka’s three venues: Colombo, Kandy, Galle

Group Distribution

Group A: India, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, USA

Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada

India’s Full Schedule

7 Feb: India vs USA — Mumbai

12 Feb: India vs Namibia — Delhi

15 Feb: India vs Pakistan — Colombo

18 Feb: India vs Netherlands — Ahmedabad

Knockout Schedule

Semifinals — 4 March: Kolkata and Colombo

Final — 8 March: Ahmedabad
(But if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be held in Colombo.)

The match on Friday began with India’s batting. In only 6 overs, India scored 86 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Robin Uthappa led the charge with a quickfire 28 off just 11 balls, giving India a strong start. Dinesh Karthik also delivered a spectacular performance toward the end, scoring 17 runs off 6 balls to push the team to a competitive total. Stuart Binny’s bowling was also crucial, conceding only 7 runs and taking 1 wicket.

২২ গজের মহারণে ফের পাক বধের পর ‘করমর্দনে’ না ভারতের

Pakistan’s innings were curtailed to 3 overs due to rain. Their target was set at 44 runs, but the Abbas Afridi-led side could only manage 41 for 1. According to the DLS method, Pakistan fell short by 2 runs, and India was declared the winner.

India’s team in this tournament included retired players such as Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, and Stuart Binny, while Pakistan gave opportunities to young players like Abbas Afridi, Khawaja Nafay, and Abdul Samad. Pakistan’s focus on emerging talent was part of their preparation for the Emerging Asia Cup.

This is Indian team in Hong Kong super sixes,who won the match against current players of the Pakistan,#Hongkongsixes pic.twitter.com/ujEH1ZYTLw

— Musa warriach (@musawarriach) November 7, 2025

Some reports noted that there was no handshake between Indian and Pakistani players after the match, following a trend seen in recent India-Pakistan encounters. A player told a national media outlet, “There was no possibility of a handshake. We followed the rules as they were.”

Elsewhere in the tournament, excitement continued:

Pool B: Australia defeated UAE by 10 wickets. Jack Wood scored 55 off just 11 balls.

Pool A: Afghanistan achieved a 49-run victory over South Africa. Gulbadin Naib scored 50 off just 12 balls.

Pool D: Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 14 runs, with Mosaddek Hossain taking 3/20 to secure the win.