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.)

সকলকে চমকে দিয়ে টি-টোয়েন্টিকে ‘Good Bye’ তারকা ক্রিকেটারের

Making his T20 debut in 2011, Williamson captained New Zealand in 75 matches. Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup twice (2016 and 2022) and the final once (2021). Williamson stated, “I have been a part of this format for a long time. Every memory and experience associated with it is very special to me. Now I feel it’s the right time for me and the team. This will give clarity for the upcoming series and the team’s next major goal, the T20 World Cup.”

He added, “We currently have very talented players in T20 cricket. In the coming period, it is crucial for these players to play more cricket and prepare for the World Cup. Mitch [Mitchell Santner] is an excellent captain and has managed the team very well. I will always support him from a distance.”

After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Williamson handed over white-ball captaincy to Mitchell Santner. Since then, he has played little international cricket, spending time in franchise leagues and with his family. Recently, he withdrew from the Chappell-Hadlee T20 series against Australia. He also missed matches against England due to a hamstring injury. However, he returned for the ODI series against England after the Champions Trophy final.

There is also curiosity about who Williamson will play with in the future. On November 26, he could play for Northern Districts in a Plunket Shield match against Auckland at Bay Oval. However, his primary focus is now on the three-match Test series against the West Indies, starting December 2 in Christchurch.

Williamson’s retirement announcement poses a new challenge for New Zealand cricket. Without his experience and leadership, the team’s progress will now depend on the new captain.

Kane Williamson has called time on his 93-game T20 International career.

Thank you for everything you gave the team in the shortest format

Full story at https://t.co/itPtNwMPLK

@PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/wzXz6MuWOF

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 1, 2025