Here's a run-down of the events surrounding Pakistan's decision to boycott and then eventual U-turn ahead of their game against India:

- Pakistan boycott in support of Bangladesh, Pak government bars team from taking field against India

- Pak informed of potentially severe financial and sporting penalties by ICC

- PCB do not give ICC a formal reason for boycott, no grounds for Force Majeure

- Sri Lanka, UAE boards request Pak to play

- Pakistan, Bangladesh and ICC conduct meetings and "negotiations"

- Pak overturn boycott, but get multiple demands rejected by ICC, including intervention on India-Pak bilaterals

While there is a 13% chance of rain in the evening during the match, the probability of rain is much higher in the forecast before the game starts. However, at the moment there is no rain in Colombo. Let's hope it stays that way.

"India-Pakistan is just another game, because we are not here to beat Pakistan, we are hear to win," says India head coach Gautam Gambhir, in a snippet shown by the official broadcasters. A big statement!

Pakistan made a dramatic U-turn on their decision to boycott the match against India. Pakistan boycotted the match with a show of support for Bangladesh, who were replaced from the T20 World Cup for refusing to travel to India. 

However, Pakistan never formally informed the ICC their exact reason for a boycott, and soon learnt of the extensive financial and sporting penalties they could face if they went ahead with it. Then, after a few days of discussion between the PCB and the ICC, Pakistan's government overturned the boycott decision.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also provided a cryptic response when asked whether his team would shake hands if the Indian players are ready to do it. "We will find out tomorrow," said Agha in the press conference.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav appeared to downplay the 'handshake' matter in the press conference on Saturday, hinting that Team India's focus was not on the toss time ritual. 

"Now wait for 24 hours for that. Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls later tomorrow. Wait for it. Eat well and go to sleep," SKY said yesterday.

Suryakumar Yadav-led India refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts during the Asia Cup 2025, setting a precedent that has since taken place in every India-Pakistan cricket encounter since. But will today mark the first time the players of two sides shake hands? Well, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha have both remained tight-lipped about.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the T20 World Cup 2026 on NDTV Sports. It's the big day. India take on Pakistan in their Group A encounter in Colombo, and the stakes are massive, given the multitude of storylines heading into the game.

Stay tuned for all the live updates from the match.