COLOMBO, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Pakistan skipper Salman Agha said Saturday 
his team had been "always ready" to face India on Sunday at the T20 World 
Cup, despite only being given the green light a few days ago.

The biggest and most lucrative clash in world cricket has sold out the 
35,000-capacity R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo with hundreds of millions 
more expected to watch on television.

The game was only confirmed as going ahead late on Monday night after the 
Islamabad government made a U-turn on its an order to boycott the blockbuster 
Group A game.

"This is a very big game and the magnitude is huge," Agha said ahead of the 
team's practice at the stadium on Saturday.

"We were always ready for the game, whatever be the decision."

Pakistan had a scrappy last over three-wicket win in their first match 
against the Netherlands before beating the United States by 32 runs. India 
have also won both their matches so far.

"We are in good momentum and I hope that being in Colombo since the start 
will help us in terms of conditions," said Agha.

But he warned: "We have to play good cricket to win the match."

The hugely-anticipated match could be hit by bad weather, with rain forecast 
for Sunday evening.

Agha believed spin would dominate, calling Tariq Usman his trump card against 
India's powerful batting line-up.

"Tariq has been bowling well and I am sure the mystery element will make him 
our trump card," Agha said, brushing aside doubts over the legality of 
Tariq's unique sling-arm action and the exaggerated pause in his delivery 
stride.

"He has been cleared twice so there are no worries."

Agha hoped the players would shake hands, unlike during their three Asia Cup 
matches in Dubai last year.

"The game should be played in the true spirit of the game," said Agha.

"It has been the norm in cricket for years but whatever way they want, we 
will only know tomorrow."

The winner will be guaranteed of thier berth in the next Super Eights round.

India have a oubt over explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been 
suffering with a stomach biug.

"I hope he plays tomorrow. I hope he's recovering well," said Agha. "We want 
to play against the best, good luck to him."