COLOMBO (Syed Mudassir Khushnood) – Cricket fever has reached a peak in Colombo a day before the Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup clash, with strong public support visible for Pakistan around the stadium and across the city.
Large crowds of fans have gathered near the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, creating a charged atmosphere ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Support for Pakistan is not limited to visiting supporters. Many Sri Lankan cricket followers have also openly joined in, wearing green shirts and carrying Pakistan flags in and around the stadium district. Streets surrounding the venue have turned into fan zones, with chants, flags and team colours dominating the scene.
City atmosphere
Outside the stadium, groups of supporters from both countries were seen celebrating together, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka flags flying side by side. Fans described the Pakistan India encounter as more than just a match, calling it one of the biggest fixtures in world cricket and a global sporting spectacle that draws attention far beyond the two nations involved.
The buzz has spread well beyond the match venue. Hotels, restaurants and markets across Colombo are witnessing unusually high footfall as travelling supporters and tourists continue to arrive. Visitors from several countries have reached the city specifically to watch the high profile contest, adding to the festive sporting environment.
Fan support
Shopkeepers near key commercial areas reported brisk sales of team shirts, flags and cricket merchandise, with green jerseys among the most in demand items. Sri Lankan supporters carrying Pakistan flags were also seen moving through popular markets, reflecting a cross border sporting spirit built around the game.
According to observers and local analysts, when international cricket brings together fans from different countries in one city, it transforms the occasion into more than a sporting contest. The gathering of diverse crowds, shared celebrations and visible camaraderie highlight how major matches can project messages of friendship and positive sporting culture, with attention now firmly fixed on the upcoming World Cup showdown.
Pakistan and India are set to face each other in the T20 World Cup match tomorrow in Colombo. Both teams have won their first two matches of the tournament, setting up a highly anticipated contest.