IBNS-CMEDIA: The Pakistani government on Monday announced that its cricket team will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India, reversing its earlier decision to boycott the high-octane clash.
The fixture is scheduled to go ahead on February 15, 2026.
The decision followed the arrival of an ICC delegation in Pakistan, which held discussions with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the team’s participation.
Reports indicate that Sri Lanka also urged Pakistan to play the match.
In a statement quoted by Dawn News, the Pakistani government said: “The government of Pakistan has reviewed formal requests extended to the PCB by the BCB, as well as supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges.”
The statement added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which the two leaders recalled the long-standing solidarity between their countries. The Sri Lankan president reportedly requested Pakistan to seriously consider resolving the impasse amicably.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the government of Pakistan hereby directs the national cricket team to take the field on February 15 for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement said.
“This decision aims to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations. The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the Men in Green, confident that the team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field,” it added.
Sri Lankan President Dissanayake took to X to express his gratitude: “Thank you, Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India-Pakistan match in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned. As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the @ICC and all concerned for their efforts.”
He also recalled the solidarity shown by both India and Pakistan during the 1996 World Cup, when they played in Colombo despite security concerns.
Why Pakistan Initially Boycotted
Pakistan had initially chosen to boycott the clash to show solidarity with Bangladesh, which had declined to travel to India for its T20 fixtures citing security concerns. Following discussions co-hosted by the ICC and PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Aminul Islam urged Pakistan to play the match.
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and the outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Aminul Islam said.
ICC’s Response to Bangladesh
Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed a soft stance toward Bangladesh, stating that no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties would be imposed for its refusal to travel. The BCB retains the right to approach the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee if it chooses.
“The ICC’s approach is guided by principles of neutrality and fairness, reflecting a shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment,” the body said.
Additionally, the ICC announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the 2031 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, reaffirming confidence in the country’s capability as a host and underscoring the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities across its member nations.
