The opening match will be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands on Saturday in Colombo. The match is due to start at 10:30 am (Pakistan time), but weather forecasts suggest that rain could spoil the contest. Just two days earlier, Pakistan’s warm-up match against Ireland was washed out, raising fresh concerns for the teams involved.

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. All of Pakistan’s group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, making weather conditions a key factor in their campaign.

The situation has become even more delicate for Pakistan after the government’s decision not to play against India in the tournament. If Pakistan boycott their scheduled match against India on 15 February, they will lose two crucial points, and their net run rate will also take a hit, according to ICC rules. India, however, will not face any such penalty.

Rain could further complicate matters. If any of Pakistan’s matches are abandoned due to weather, both teams will receive one point each. This outcome may prove costly, as Pakistan must win all their remaining matches to secure a place in the next round.

Pakistan will play their second group match against the USA on 10 February, followed by a clash with Namibia on 18 February.

On the same opening day, the two-time world champions West Indies will face Scotland in Kolkata in the second match of the tournament, starting at 2:30 pm. The third match will feature defending champions India against the USA, beginning at 6:30 pm in the evening.

As the tournament gets underway, weather, politics, and pressure are already shaping the early story of the T20 World Cup.