Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed security units during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with special focus on the India–Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Colombo.
The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8. India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other at least once in a Group A match in Colombo on February 15.
Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have long attracted political tensions, reflecting strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The teams were involved in a four-day border conflict last year, heightening security concerns.
Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the government has given the “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is paying “special attention” to matches involving India and Pakistan.
Security officials confirmed that elite commando units, normally assigned to protect visiting heads of state, will be deployed to safeguard all participating teams. Armed guards will escort players from the moment they leave the airport until they depart the country.
“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan refused to play its matches in India due to political tensions, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Pakistan’s fixtures to neutral Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh also requested that its matches be moved out of India, citing security concerns. The ICC rejected the request and later drafted Scotland to replace Bangladesh in the tournament.
Pakistan has indicated it may still boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka remained publicly neutral throughout the dispute involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said Colombo did not want to be drawn into regional conflicts.
He added that Sri Lanka would be open to hosting future tournaments for any of the countries if requested.