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Sri Lanka deploys extensive ‘multi-layered’ security for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium.
R Premadasa Stadium will host the massive India-Pakistan match.
(AFP)
With the high-voltage India-Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture set for Sunday evening at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lankan authorities have rolled out an intensive, multi-layered security plan, describing it as some of the comprehensive operations of the tournament.
Sri Lanka Police spokesperson F T Wootler said a ‘very special traffic and security arrangement’ has been put in place, with the very best priority assigned to making sure the protection of players, officials, and spectators.
Armed security personnel will escort each teams from the moment they arrive within the country. “From the time they step out of the airport, they will likely be provided armed guards till they return to the aircraft,” Wootler said, underlining that protection will extend through hotel stays, practice sessions, and match day movements.
Fans have been advised to reach at the least 4 hours before the 7 pm start, with all gates scheduled to open at 3 pm to facilitate staggered entry and thorough security screening.
The safety build-up follows weeks of uncertainty after Pakistan announced a possible boycott of the sport in solidarity with Bangladesh, prompting intense discussions involving the International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The situation even drew in political leadership, with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally appealing to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to make sure the team’s participation, citing the importance of the fixture to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the extensive arrangements already in place.
Officials stressed that no risks could be taken for the clash between the arch-rivals, particularly after the safety environment became sensitive throughout the boycott standoff.
Tourism booms in Colombo
Meanwhile, Colombo has was a cricket tourism hotspot ahead of the massive match. Airfares from major Indian metros have reportedly tripled, while hotels across the stadium are charging nearly six times their usual rates for the match weekend.
Tour operators say most travelling supporters are choosing all-inclusive packages starting from $1,500 to $2,000 or more, depending on ticket category and accommodation. Sri Lankan tourism officials have welcomed the influx, describing it as a vote of confidence within the island nation’s ability to stage high-profile, politically sensitive contests as a neutral venue.
The sold-out clash is predicted to deliver a big economic windfall for the town’s hospitality and travel sectors.
February 14, 2026, 16:31 IST
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