The Government of Pakistan announced on Monday that it has directed the national cricket team to play its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on February 15 in Colombo, following extensive consultations with regional and international cricket stakeholders.
In a post on X, the government said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was formally briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcome of high-level discussions involving the PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
According to the statement, the government reviewed formal requests made by the BCB, along with supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other ICC member nations, urging Pakistan’s leadership to help find a constructive solution to recent challenges affecting the tournament.
The government also acknowledged remarks by BCB President Aminul Islam, saying the gratitude expressed by Bangladesh was received “with great warmth,” and reaffirmed that Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with its neighbour.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz received a phone call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During what was described as a warm and friendly conversation, the two leaders recalled how Pakistan and Sri Lanka had consistently supported each other during difficult periods. President Dissanayake requested the prime minister to give serious consideration to resolving the current impasse amicably.
“In view of the outcomes of multilateral discussions and the requests of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement said.
The government added that the decision was taken to protect the spirit of cricket and ensure the continuity of the global game across all participating nations. It also conveyed best wishes from the prime minister and the people of Pakistan to the “Men in Green,” expressing confidence that the team would uphold sportsmanship and national pride.
Earlier, President Dissanayake had urged Pakistan to play the match during his call with PM Shehbaz, noting that Pakistan had continued to support Sri Lankan cricket even during periods of terrorism in the island nation. The prime minister welcomed these sentiments and recalled how Sri Lanka had similarly stood by Pakistan, including by not cancelling recent cricket tours.
Meanwhile, BCB President Aminul Islam also appealed to Pakistan to play the match, thanking the PCB, its leadership and Pakistani cricket fans for their solidarity. He said Pakistan’s conduct during the period reflected exemplary sportsmanship and requested participation in the February 15 match for the benefit of the global cricket ecosystem.
Separately, the ICC announced that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty would be imposed on Bangladesh for opting out of the T20 World Cup. The global body said it had held open and constructive discussions with PCB and BCB officials, focusing not only on the tournament but also on the broader future of cricket in South Asia.
The ICC reaffirmed Bangladesh’s status as a valued full member and confirmed that the country would host an ICC event prior to the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, subject to standard hosting processes. 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’s cricketing development.
Pakistan had earlier allowed participation in the T20 World Cup but withheld clearance for the match against India, following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament and its replacement by Scotland due to safety concerns. Sri Lanka Cricket later urged Pakistan to reconsider, warning that a boycott could result in financial losses and harm Sri Lanka’s recovering tourism industry.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade and only face each other in global or regional tournaments.
