Irfan sees Pakistan in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup

NYM Desk

Published: 07:36 PM, 29 January 2026

Pakistan is uncertain about playing in the ICC T20 World Cup. However, former Indian pacer Irfan Khan sees a strong possibility of reaching the semi-finals if they play in this tournament to be jointly organized by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Participating in an analytical discussion on a leading sports platform in India, Irfan Pathan chose Australia, Pakistan, India and England as his top four teams. Former cricketers Robin Uthappa, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina and Sanjay Bangar, Anil Kumble were with him in the discussion. Irfan Pathan was the only one among the panel members who saw Pakistan as a team worthy of reaching the knockout stage.

Robin Uthappa kept India, South Africa, England and New Zealand in his list. Cheteshwar Pujara, Anil Kumble and Aakash Chopra agreed on India, Australia, England and New Zealand.

Mohammad Kaif chose India, South Africa, New Zealand and England. Suresh Raina's list included India, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Sanjay Bangar supported India, Australia, England and New Zealand.

As per the ICC's 'Fusion Formula', since India and Pakistan do not tour each other's countries for ICC events, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka at a neutral venue. As a result, if Pakistan reaches the semi-finals and the final, both knockout matches will be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the semi-finals and final will be held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad respectively.

2009 champions Pakistan will start their World Cup campaign with a match against the Netherlands in Colombo on 7 February. They will then play the United States on 10 February, arch-rivals India on 15 February and Namibia on 18 February. The Super Eights will be held from 21 February to 1 March. The matches will be held in Colombo and Kolkata. The first semi-final will be held on March 3, the second semi-final on March 5. The final match will be held on March 8. The venue will be Ahmedabad or Colombo.

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