New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) As India and Pakistan prepare to clash once more on a global platform, their eagerly awaited T20 World Cup 2026 match is officially scheduled for February 15. BJP leader Nitin Nabin emphasized on Wednesday that sports should be distinct from politics, and that the government along with relevant authorities will make decisions guided by policies and the current scenario.

Nitin Nabin stated in an interview with IANS, “Sports is a separate domain. The government and relevant bodies analyze the situation and make informed decisions. Besides sports, public sentiment is also taken into account.”

Reacting to the situation, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad remarked, “In the Asia Cup, both nations faced each other. This competition should be appreciated in the spirit of sports rather than entangled in political issues. Such events demonstrate a positive mindset.”

JD(U) MLC Gulam Gaush added, “Cricket is enjoyable, but whenever a match occurs, it feels like a battle. This should not be the case. Steps must be taken to enhance relations.”

Meanwhile, defending champions India will take on their long-time rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, 2026, after starting their campaign in the group stage against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, 2026.

India is positioned in Group A alongside Netherlands and Namibia. No team has ever defended their title in the T20 World Cup, and the hosts are hoping to set a new record. In their subsequent group matches, India will face Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi and conclude the group stage against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18, 2026.

This tournament is shaping up to be the most significant T20 World Cup in cricket history, featuring 20 teams for the first time. A total of 55 matches will be held across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2026. This was announced by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in Mumbai, during a schedule reveal attended by ICC Chair Jay Shah, two-time T20 WC champion Rohit Sharma, current T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Women's ODI World Cup winner Harmanpreet Kaur along with cricket officials from both nations.

Matches will be hosted at eight venues: the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In Sri Lanka, matches will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, and Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.