The warm-up match between Pakistan and Ireland before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 was canceled due to rain. The teams were unable to play, and officials decided to call off the game in Colombo after conditions did not improve. This match was the only opportunity for both teams to prepare before the tournament begins on February 7.
Pakistan recently won a three-match T20I series against Australia, sweeping the series 3-0 on slow and spinning pitches in Lahore. The playing conditions in Sri Lanka are expected to be similar, where Pakistan will play all their matches, including an important game against India on February 15.
In another development, the Pakistani government has instructed the team to boycott the match against India, prompting a warning from the ICC. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation through diplomacy.
Group A includes Pakistan, India, the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia. In Group B, Ireland will compete against Australia, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
