Squad Arrives in Colombo Amid India Boycott Controversy
The Pakistan cricket team landed in Sri Lanka on Monday, February 3, 2026, to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. The 15-member squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, arrived in Colombo following their commanding 3-0 T20I series victory over Australia in Lahore.
The arrival comes just two days after Pakistan’s government announced the team would boycott their Group A match against arch-rivals India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, creating unprecedented controversy surrounding the tournament’s most anticipated fixture.
Squad Details and Arrival
Pakistan Cricket Board released video footage showing the team dressed in their new World Cup kit as they boarded buses from their Lahore hotel to the airport. The squad includes star players Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan, alongside captain Salman Ali Agha.
The 15-member squad comprises: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
“Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, the team will take two days of rest on Monday and Tuesday to recover from travel fatigue before their warm-up fixture against Ireland on February 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.”
Tournament Schedule for Pakistan
Under the ICC’s ‘Fusion Formula’, Pakistan will play all their T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, with all fixtures scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo:
February 4: Warm-up match vs Ireland
Group A fixtures:
• February 7 – Netherlands
• February 10 – USA
• February 15 – India (boycotted)
• February 18 – Namibia
The decision to play all Pakistan matches in Sri Lanka stems from political tensions between Pakistan and co-host India, which have prevented bilateral cricket for over a decade.
Captain’s Response to India Boycott
Before departing for Colombo, captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the government’s controversial decision to boycott the India match. “We are players contracted to the Board and whatever decision our government and Board have taken, all the players are on board with it,” he told media.
Agha emphasized that the T20 World Cup extends beyond a single fixture: “It’s not our decision to boycott the India game, we can’t do anything about it. We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say. We have three league stage matches, and the T20 World Cup was not just about playing against India.”
The skipper’s diplomatic response reflects the delicate position players find themselves in, caught between sporting ambitions and governmental directives they have no power to influence.
When did Pakistan arrive in Sri Lanka?
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad landed in Colombo on Monday, February 3, 2026, following their successful 3-0 series victory over Australia.
Where will Pakistan play their World Cup matches?
All Pakistan matches will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, under the ICC’s Fusion Formula arrangement.
What is Pakistan’s first match in the tournament?
Pakistan opens their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, 2026, which is the tournament’s opening day.
Who is captaining Pakistan at the World Cup?
Salman Ali Agha has been named Pakistan’s captain for the T20 World Cup 2026, with the squad notably excluding regular wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and fast bowler Haris Rauf.
What happens if Pakistan meets India in the knockout stages?
The government’s statement only specifically mentions the February 15 group stage match. There has been no clarification on what would occur if both teams advance and meet in the semifinals or final.
Social Media Reaction
Pictures and videos of the Pakistan team arriving in Sri Lanka quickly spread across social media platforms. Fans expressed excitement about the World Cup campaign while also debating the India boycott decision.
Cricket journalist Hassan Abbasian posted: “Pakistan cricket team and @babarazam258 reached Sri Lanka for the World Cup. Bring the cup home boys,” reflecting the hopeful sentiment among supporters despite the controversy.
Another prominent cricket commentator Khurram Dilawar Choudhry shared images with the caption: “PAKISTAN TEAM HAVE LANDED IN COLOMBO. It’s time for the T20 World Cup.”
Team Preparation and Form
Pakistan arrives in Sri Lanka with considerable momentum after their comprehensive 3-0 whitewash of Australia. All-rounder Saim Ayub emerged as a star performer in that series, demonstrating his ability to impact games with both bat and ball—a skill set that could prove crucial in World Cup conditions.
The team’s recent form includes victories over South Africa and Sri Lanka in ODI series, along with success in a tri-nation tournament also featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. This winning streak has built confidence heading into the marquee event.
The decision to rest for two days before the Ireland warm-up match demonstrates careful planning by the team management, ensuring players are fresh rather than fatigued from travel when competitive action begins.
ICC Awaits Official Communication
The International Cricket Council has expressed concern about Pakistan’s “selective participation” approach but confirmed it is still awaiting official written communication from the PCB regarding the India boycott.
In a statement, the ICC emphasized that “ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”
The governing body has not yet announced any sanctions or consequences for Pakistan’s decision, though the team will automatically forfeit two points and suffer a significant net run rate penalty under existing tournament regulations.
Historical Context
Pakistan are the 2009 T20 World Cup champions and have reached the final on two other occasions (2007 and 2022), making them one of the format’s most successful teams. The 2009 triumph came in England when Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final.
The team carries high expectations from passionate supporters who hope the squad can replicate that success despite the current political complications. With a blend of experienced campaigners like Babar Azam and exciting young talent like Saim Ayub, Pakistan possesses the quality to mount a serious title challenge.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Pakistan’s focus now shifts from political controversy to cricketing performance. Their opening match against the Netherlands on February 7 will set the tone for a campaign that, despite losing two points before it begins, still offers the opportunity for Pakistan to claim their second T20 World Cup title and restore pride following the India boycott backlash.