Despite Pakistan's move to take a U-turn on its original boycott decision, the high-profile T20 World Cup against India now faces the threat of interruptions. If the weather plays spoilsport, fans will be left disappointed, but former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali is praying for it to rain.
India are set to face Pakistan on February 15. (AP)
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Speaking on A-Sports, he said, "Meri toh dua hai Allah Ta’ala baarish kar de (My prayer is that Allah Ta’ala makes it rain)."
On being asked if he wanted a full match, he remarked, "I want rain."
The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology has already informed about the possible formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which will lead to steady showers during the game.
Meanwhile, according to AccuWeather, we could see a 70-80 per cent chance of rain through the morning and afternoon. But it could decrease slightly in the evening and night, with intermittent showers expected to play a role.
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The R Premadasa Stadium has full ground cover in place, meaning play will resume within 20 minutes once the rain stops. The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
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The R Premadasa Stadium has full ground cover in place, meaning play will resume within 20 minutes once the rain stops. The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
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Ahead of the match, Suryakumar Yadav even revealed that there could be a handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, revealing that he would break the suspense on Sunday. After the Pahalgam attack in April last year, the Indian team refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan players before or after matches throughout the 2025 Asia Cup.
Speaking ahead of the match, he said, "We had a scratchy start. You can't run away from the fact that it was not a proper T20 wicket. But I said earlier too that you can't actually brush everything under the carpet. There is no excuse."
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"But we came back strongly. So, that's the beauty of T20 cricket. One or two batters I think taking that responsibility makes us cross the line."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/Basit Ali's unusual wish adds twist to India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash: ‘My prayer is that it rains’
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