Sunday 15 / February / 2026
Colombo: Under a blaze of floodlights at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, the roar of thousands of fans from India and Pakistan swelled into a thunderous crescendo as the arch-rivals met in their much-anticipated Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Few sporting contests command global attention quite like an India–Pakistan showdown. With uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation finally settled last week, anticipation surged to fever pitch across the cricketing world.
India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs to go top of the group, capping a night that delivered both drama on the field and spectacle in the stands.
There was no handshake between India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha - a moment that sparked debate - yet outside the stadium hours earlier, fans from both nations mingled in a mood of celebration rather than rivalry.
A senior correspondent from Times of Oman who travelled to Sri Lanka, spoke to supporters who had travelled across continents for the occasion, including an elderly couple who flew in from Canada after covering thousands of kilometres.
“We had booked our tickets well in advance and though there was suspense for quite some days on whether the match would go ahead, we remained hopeful. We are delighted to be here,” said Devrajan, a Canadian with roots in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Inside the sold-out arena, a sea of blue and green created a striking visual contrast, with Indian supporters outnumbering their Pakistani counterparts. The atmosphere was electric, and Shahzad Ahmed, who arrived from Karachi, said the experience justified the steep cost of travel. “It is worth it. A Pakistan vs India cricket match is something I would go to any part of the world to watch,” he said.
While Indian and Pakistani fans provided the colour and the noise, the hosts were equally captivated by the spectacle. For Sri Lanka, the high-profile encounter proved to be more than a sporting event, it was an economic windfall.
“This game has brought a boost for the country’s economy,” said Prasanna, a senior Sri Lankan journalist. “Hotels are packed, the city is buzzing with tourists, and restaurants, tuk-tuk drivers and cab services are thriving. Even Uber rides to the stadium surged in price due to overwhelming demand.”
Security across Colombo was visibly heightened, with approximately 2,000 personnel from the Sri Lankan police and Special Task Force deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the marquee encounter.
On a night when cricket once again transcended borders, the occasion delivered everything it promised- intensity, colour and a reminder that few rivalries in world sport capture the imagination quite like India versus Pakistan.
