The Pakistan government has directed the national men’s team to play against India in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The decision effectively ends the week-long uncertainty surrounding the high-profile fixture and confirms that the match will go ahead as planned.
In an official statement, 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).
The statement added that the government carefully reviewed official representations submitted by the BCB, along with communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other ICC member nations. These messages urged Pakistan to help find a practical and collective solution to the ongoing situation.
The government also acknowledged comments made by BCB president Aminul Islam, who had requested Pakistan not to boycott the India match.
“The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh,” the statement read.
It further confirmed that Prime Minister Sharif held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who appealed for an amicable resolution to the impasse. During the call, both leaders recalled the strong ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and their history of supporting each other during difficult times.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the requests made by 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 concluded.
