Pakistan is gearing up to face Ireland in their sole warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place on February 4 in Colombo. The match comes during a period of controversy for Pakistan, as discussions surrounding a potential boycott of their group stage match against India on February 15 loom. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) about their stance, following the government’s confirmation that players will not participate in the high-profile game against India.
The Pakistani team, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, arrives in Sri Lanka following a successful series where they whitewashed Australia in three T20Is, which has instilled a sense of confidence in the players. They will be looking to carry that momentum into the warm-up match against Ireland.
Ireland comes off a solid performance, having defeated the UAE in their recent two-match T20I series. Their batting and bowling lineups showed commendable performances, but facing a seasoned team like Pakistan will pose a new challenge. Historically, Ireland has shown the capability to upset strong teams in World Cup tournaments, and the team led by Paul Stirling is eager to make a striking impression.
The warm-up clash between Pakistan and Ireland will kick off at 5:00 PM IST at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Unfortunately for fans in India, the match will not be broadcast live on television; however, it will be available for streaming on JioStar, enabling viewers to follow the action online.
As both teams prepare to face off, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating match that could set the tone for the upcoming World Cup, showcasing the dynamic interplay of emerging talent and established cricketing nations.