Colombo presented a lively welcome to Team India on Friday evening as the team arrived in the Sri Lankan capital ahead of their high-voltage T20 World Cup clash against the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian players were greeted at the airport with traditional Sri Lankan dance performances and rhythmic drum beats, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Videos of the colorful reception quickly surfaced on social media, with fans sharing clips of the cultural ensemble performing as the players left the terminal.
Earlier in the day, visuals from the airport showed the Indian players leaving amid tight security and a significant media presence. By evening, pictures from the Colombo airport surfaced on social media as the team made their way to the team hotel where preparations for the high-stakes competition will now intensify.
The India-Pakistan match, long considered one of cricket’s greatest rivalries, faced weeks of uncertainty before it was confirmed. With both sides unbeaten in the tournament so far, Sunday’s game could play a decisive role in shaping the Group A standings.
However, there is a caveat. Weather forecasts indicate a 65 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms in Colombo during the day on Sunday, with the chance reducing to around 25 percent in the evening. Temperatures are expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius and humidity around 77 percent, conditions that could test the players physically.
Forecasters also warned of a possible thunderstorm near the scheduled start time, raising the prospect of a delayed draw or interruption. In a contest of this magnitude, even a short stoppage could significantly change the dynamic.
The tournament organizers remain hopeful of a full match while ground staff in Colombo are on alert. After being washed out, the two teams would split the points, potentially complicating the qualifying race in Group A.