The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially kicks off today, launching a month-long global cricket spectacle hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament opener will see Pakistan face the Netherlands in a Group A encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo, with the first ball scheduled for 10:30am Pakistan Standard Time.
Pakistan enter the competition after completing intensive training sessions aimed at fixing shortcomings ahead of the high-pressure tournament. Addressing the media before the opener, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed continuity in the batting order, stating he will continue to bat at number three and that no immediate changes are planned to the team’s overall combination.
“We will step onto the field with our best possible combination,” Salman Ali Agha said, expressing confidence in the squad’s balance and preparation. He also addressed Pakistan’s absence from fixtures against India due to a government decision, noting that the team is not under extra pressure and will instead focus on consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Likely Opening Pair and Probable Playing XI
Right-handed batter Khawaja Nafay is expected to open the innings alongside Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s opening match. The move signals a tactical shift, with reports suggesting experienced opener Fakhar Zaman may miss out on the Playing XI. Nafay, 23, has featured in two T20 matches so far and is being backed for his aggressive approach at the top.
Pakistan’s probable playing XI vs Netherlands:
Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
Also Read: Pakistan to play T20 World Cup but skip India clash in Bangladesh solidarity
Free Entry for Fans, Rain Threat Looms
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for fans attending the tournament opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands. According to SLC, gates 5 and 7 will open at 9:30am local time, allowing spectators to witness the curtain-raiser of the 20-team event at no cost.
However, weather could play a role in the opening clash, as forecasts predict an 83% chance of rain in the evening, with expected precipitation of around 4.2mm, raising concerns over possible interruptions.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and the Netherlands have faced each other twice in T20 internationals, with Pakistan winning both encounters. The Dutch side will be aiming for their first-ever victory against the Men in Green on the world stage.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.
With global attention fixed on Colombo, the T20 World Cup 2026 promises explosive cricket, rising stars, and intense competition as the world’s top teams battle for supremacy in the shortest format.
