World Cup 2026: Pakistan agrees to play match against India

Pakistan will participate in their high-stakes clash against India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo after the government reversed its decision to boycott the game citing geopolitical tensions.

In a statement issued on X by the government, it said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was formally briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the board, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

“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,” it said.

The statement said the decision was taken with the aim of “protecting the spirit of cricket and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations”. It added that the prime minister and the people extended their best wishes to the cricket team for its encounter.

“We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory,” the statement said.

It said the government reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the BCB, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations.

The statement said the correspondences had “sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges”.

“The government further noted the statement by BCB President Aminul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.

“This evening, the prime minister held a telephone call with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, president of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times.

The Sri Lankan president requested the prime minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse,” the statement said.

The World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, has commenced in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh had been included in the slate but requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC declined the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

Pakistan took a principled stand in support of Bangladesh and protested the ICC’s decision, a move that further strained relations with the governing body. The government also ordered the team not to play the match against India in Colombo.