2 min read
The upcoming much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 is set to kick off with Pakistan facing the Netherlands in the opening match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on 7 February.
The Men in Green are placed in Group A and will face the Netherlands, the United States and Namibia, while the national team has withdrawn from the India match after government restrictions.
The national side will enter the mega tournament on the back of strong recent performances in the shortest format of the game, including a whitewash of Australia in a three-match T20I series.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed broadcast arrangements for the marquee event, allowing fans in Pakistan to follow every match through television and digital platforms.
In Pakistan, live coverage will be provided by PTV and Myco, with digital streaming available on Tamasha, ARY Zapp and Tapmad throughout the month-long global tournament for local cricket audiences.
| Live Coverage | Digital Streaming |
| PTV | Tamasha |
| Myco | ARY Zapp |
| Tapmad |
The cricket authority will also produce a dedicated Urdu commentary feed for Pakistan matches, ensuring viewers can enjoy ball-by-ball coverage in a familiar language across broadcast and streaming services.
It is worth noting that the only warm-up match, scheduled on 4 February against Ireland at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, was abandoned due to persistent and heavy rainfall.
Early conditions worsened as steady rain persisted throughout the morning, preventing the toss, leaving the pitch unfit for preparation, and forcing officials to abandon the scheduled day-night fixture entirely eventually.
BBC Weather forecasts stormy conditions in Colombo on February 7, with morning clouds, afternoon and evening rainfall, and temperatures expected to range between 32°C during the day and 22°C overnight.
