LAHORE: After days of uncertainty and intense discussions surrounding the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, clarity has finally emerged, with Pakistan confirming they will play the match on February 15 in Colombo.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the country’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, said Pakistan’s initial boycott threat was aimed solely at securing “respect” for Bangladesh, following their removal from the tournament.
Pakistan had earlier announced they would boycott the marquee group-stage fixture against India, but on Monday, the Pakistani government reversed its stance and directed the national team to take the field as scheduled.
“We didn’t keep any condition other than Bangladesh. Our only aim was to get Bangladesh some respect, to right the injustice that had been done to them,” Naqvi told reporters in Peshawar, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“You’ve seen whatever Bangladesh wanted, it’s been accepted. We had no personal aim in this. When their demands were accepted, and it was acknowledged that they suffered an injustice, we decided to play again,” he added.
Pakistan’s boycott decision came in support of Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland in the tournament after the ICC rejected their request to shift matches out of India due to security concerns.
The ICC subsequently held a meeting with the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday to resolve the issue. Following the discussions, the Pakistan government issued an official statement confirming the team’s participation in the February 15 fixture.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request 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 read.
“This decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Md Aminul Islam Bulbul praised Pakistan’s stance, thanking the country for its support during the controversy.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Bulbul said.
He also urged Pakistan to play the match for the benefit of the tournament and the wider cricket ecosystem.
Following the talks, the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh would not face sanctions for refusing to play their matches in India and that they have been awarded hosting rights for an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.
Agencies