2026 T20 World Cup: What happens if the India-Pak clash is washed out in Colombo?

It took interventions from several cricket boards, a call from a head of state, and even an ICC delegation's visit to Pakistan to ensure the India-Pakistan clash went ahead as scheduled. Yet despite the extensive off-field manoeuvring, the biggest obstacle to the fixture could ultimately be the weather.

Rain highly likely to disrupt the game

Pakistan and India are due to play their group-stage game on February 15 in Colombo. While the rain has not turned up as a killjoy in any of the World Cup matches so far, it could all change on Sunday, with a 50-70% chance of rain expected during the match hours, much to the fans and broadcasters chagrin.

For a result to be declared, a minimum of five overs per side must be played. If that happens, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method can be used to determine the winner. However, if the game is abandoned due to persistent rain, both Pakistan and India would get one point each.

Will rain affect qualification race in Group A?

Neither of the sides has its qualification banking on this game. Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA can each earn a maximum of four points. While the USA only have to get the better of Namibia to do so, the other two would need to pull off a miracle against Pakistan (in case of Namibia) and India (in case of the Netherlands)

However, currently occupying the first and second spots in the Group A table, India and Pakistan, respectively, are out of the danger zone, and even one point apiece would further straighten their path to the Super Eights.

Things can, however, become more interesting in Group A if the game gets a result. A defeat for either of the two heavyweights would open a realistic pathway for the USA to upset their way to the next stage. 

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