India national cricket team are set to make a major bowling change for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo. Reports indicate pacer Arshdeep Singh could be left out, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav likely to come in. This would give India a three-spinner attack alongside Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel. Match-up numbers support the switch. Kuldeep has taken eight wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan at an economy of 6.58. Arshdeep has seven wickets in four matches with a higher economy rate. Weather has stayed clear so far, though clouds remain around the stadium. (PC: HT)

Weather concerns remain ahead of the T20 World Cup clash between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo, with dark clouds around the Premadasa Stadium and rain expected to affect play. Two hours before the toss, rain had stayed away but conditions were cloudy and humid. Reports said there was still no sign of the Indian team at the ground at that time. Ground staff kept the outfield fully covered and drainage systems ready. The match also comes amid continued tension over India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan. Predicted XIs for both sides were announced before the game. (PC: X)

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan, calling it “silly” and against the spirit of the game. India have followed this policy since the Asia Cup 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack. Ahead of the T20 World Cup clash, Manjrekar said teams should either follow normal cricket customs or not play. “Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” he wrote on X. India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not confirm if he will shake hands. Pakistan captain Salman Agha said cricket should be played in the right spirit. (PC: India Today)

Former India batter Dinesh Karthik has warned that India could face a very tough contest against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match in Colombo. He said Pakistan are better prepared for the local pitch and conditions. “Tomorrow will be one of India’s biggest challenges against Pakistan in recent memory,” Karthik told Cricbuzz. He said slow surfaces could test India’s batting against spin bowling. He highlighted Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq as a major factor. Karthik added that India’s batting numbers drop on slow tracks compared to flat pitches. India, however, still hold a strong head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup games. (PC: X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will receive the biggest share of the ICC revenue for the 2024–27 cycle, far ahead of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). BCCI’s share is 38.5 per cent, which equals about Rs 2,079 crore. Reports say India generates over 70 per cent of global cricket income, mainly due to high-value matches and media rights. India vs Pakistan games are among the most profitable events for the ICC. In comparison, PCB’s share is 5.75 per cent, or about Rs 310 crore. The BCCI’s portion is higher than several other major cricket boards combined. (PC: NDTV)

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav personally mimicked Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's controversial stop-start bowling action during practice, helping teammates prepare for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Footage showed Abhishek Sharma, recovered from stomach illness, batting against Suryakumar's imitation of Tariq's quirky delivery stride. The Pakistani spinner has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is with an economy under six, making him a surprise weapon. Suryakumar dismissed concerns, saying: "If you get an out-of-syllabus question in exams, you don't leave it; you try to answer." Abhishek looked in prime condition, dispatching boundaries against Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, sending a message to Pakistan's spin brigade.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted at Abhishek Sharma's return for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan after the young opener missed the Namibia match due to illness. The 23-year-old left-hander was hospitalized with a stomach infection, losing nearly two kilos, but has since recovered. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope Abhishek would play, wanting to face India's strongest XI. When told about Agha's comments, Suryakumar cheekily responded: "If Pakistan want Abhishek Sharma to play, he will play." The aggressive opener, currently the top-ranked T20I batter, would likely replace Sanju Samson, bringing crucial spin-hitting capability to Colombo's spin-friendly conditions.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav cautioned against Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq ahead of Sunday's T20 World Cup clash, calling him "out of syllabus." Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is at an average of 7.90, but his unique sidearm action has sparked controversy over its legality, with chucking accusations. Suryakumar revealed Indian batters have been practicing against similar bowling actions and styles. Despite medical testing clearing Tariq's action as resulting from a natural anatomical condition, scrutiny continues. India defeated USA by 29 runs and Namibia by 93 runs in their opening fixtures, while Pakistan beat Netherlands by three wickets and USA by 32 runs. (PC: NDTV)

Sri Lanka Police have made strict security plans for the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday. Armed guards have been assigned to both teams from the airport to the stadium. Security will continue until the teams leave the country. Fans have been asked to reach the R. Premadasa Stadium four hours early. Gates will open at 3 PM for the 7 PM IST match. The game is sold out. Both teams are unbeaten so far. India have won seven of their eight previous T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan. (PC: Asian Cricket Council)

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he was unsure if his team would observe the traditional handshake with India before their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match, amid ongoing controversy. Agha urged both sides to uphold the spirit of cricket but declined to confirm whether the gesture would take place, saying, “We will see about it tomorrow.” The debate stems from last year’s Asia Cup, when India’s Suryakumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with Pakistan’s players in respect for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, raising tensions between the rivals. (PC: India Today)