‘Big Dawg’ in Lanka: Rapper Hanumankind set to ignite Colombo before IND vs PAK T20 World Cup clash
Colombo: Indian rapper Hanumankind, whose viral hit "Big Dawgs" propelled him to global fame, is set to perform at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match on Sunday. The pre-match entertainment, organised by ICC sponsor Thums Up, will add to the spectacle surrounding one of cricket's most-watched rivalries.
Star Sports, the tournament's official broadcaster, announced the performance on Friday, with the rapper expected to take the stage around 6:00 PM local time, one hour before the match begins at 7:00 PM. The pre-match ceremony will feature Hanumankind alongside a dance troupe.
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Cricket's Biggest Rivalry Returns
The Group A encounter marks the first meeting between the two nations since their trilogy of matches at the 2025 Asia Cup. Both teams enter the fixture unbeaten in the tournament, with India having defeated Namibia by 93 runs and Pakistan securing a three-wicket victory against the Netherlands before beating the USA by 32 runs.
India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, are expected to enter as favourites. The defending champions hold a dominant 13-3 record against Pakistan in T20 International cricket. However, the rivalry's unpredictable nature continues to draw massive global viewership regardless of recent form.
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Pre-Match Entertainment Sets Precedent
This is not the first time the ICC has arranged musical performances ahead of India-Pakistan matches. Playback singer Arijit Singh performed before their 2023 World Cup encounter in India. The decision to feature Hanumankind, the Kerala-born artist who became a global sensation with "Big Dawgs" in 2024, aligns with Thums Up's broader T20 World Cup campaign.
The Coca-Cola brand recently released a "Taste the Thunder" anthem featuring Hanumankind alongside Vishal Dadlani and cricketers Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh.
Match Almost Didn't Happen
The fixture's confirmation came after diplomatic tensions. Pakistan's government initially announced on February 1 that while the team had approval to participate in the tournament, they would boycott the India match. The ICC responded that "selective involvement undermines the integrity and spirit of competitions".
Following negotiations between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan confirmed their participation in all scheduled matches on February 8. The reversal ensured the marquee contest would proceed as planned.