The government on Monday announced that Pakistan will play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, scheduled for 15 February, reversing an earlier decision to boycott the fixture.
The announcement followed the arrival of an ICC delegation in Pakistan over the weekend, which held high-level meetings with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding Pakistan’s participation in the marquee clash. The decision also came hours after Sri Lanka formally urged Pakistan to take the field, citing the broader interests of international cricket and regional solidarity.
In an official statement shared on X, the government said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by PCB Chairman Naqvi on the outcomes of extensive deliberations involving the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The government noted that formal requests had been received from the BCB, supported by communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other ICC member nations, all seeking Pakistan’s leadership in resolving the ongoing impasse surrounding the tournament.
The statement also acknowledged comments by BCB President Aminul Islam, who had expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s role and support during a challenging period for Bangladeshi cricket. “Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh,” the government said, adding that the sentiments from Dhaka were received with warmth and appreciation.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz also received a phone call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which both leaders recalled the longstanding tradition of mutual support between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, particularly during difficult times. The Sri Lankan president requested Pakistan to seriously consider an amicable resolution to the issue in the larger interest of cricket.
“In view of the outcomes achieved through multilateral discussions, as well as the requests of friendly countries, the government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field on 15 February 2026 for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement said. It added that the decision was taken to uphold the spirit of cricket and ensure continuity of the global game across all participating nations.
The government extended its best wishes to the national side, expressing confidence that the Men in Green would carry the values of sportsmanship and national pride as they compete on the world stage.
Reacting to the announcement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the decision, posting: “Game on hai (the game is on)!” He said the entire nation stood behind the team and praised both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision and the PCB chairman’s diplomacy.
Sri Lankan President Dissanayake later thanked the prime minister for ensuring that the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash would proceed as planned in Colombo, recalling how both nations had shown solidarity during the 1996 World Cup, when matches were hosted in Sri Lanka amid regional security concerns.
Earlier, Dissanayake had explicitly urged Pakistan to play the match, noting that Pakistan had continued to tour Sri Lanka during periods of terrorism and instability, prioritising bilateral relations and the continuity of cricket. Prime Minister Shehbaz, in turn, acknowledged Sri Lanka’s reciprocal support, including the island nation’s decision not to cancel its recent tour of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, BCB President Aminul Islam, during a brief visit to Pakistan, also appealed to Islamabad to play the match against India, thanking the PCB, its chairman and Pakistani cricket fans for their support and solidarity. He described Pakistan’s conduct during the crisis as exemplary sportsmanship and urged participation “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem”.
Separately, the ICC confirmed that no penalty would be imposed on Bangladesh following its withdrawal from the T20 World Cup and announced that the country would host an ICC event prior to the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, subject to standard hosting procedures. The ICC said it had held open and constructive dialogue with both PCB and BCB officials, reaffirming Bangladesh’s status as a valued full member and a vital contributor to global cricket.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament was regrettable but did not diminish the ICC’s long-term commitment to the country, emphasising continued investment in its cricketing development and global integration.
Earlier this month, Pakistan had been granted permission to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but was instructed not to play India, following Bangladesh’s replacement by Scotland due to security concerns over touring India. Sri Lanka Cricket had since warned that a Pakistan boycott would result in financial losses and impact tourism, prompting renewed diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade and face each other only in ICC or regional tournaments, making their World Cup encounters among the most closely watched fixtures in international sport.
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