T20 World Cup row: Pak makes u-turn on India boycott, to play clash on February 15
PTC News Desk: The India–Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 will take place as planned after Pakistan’s government reversed its earlier decision to boycott the game. The change came after discussions with officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC), with Pakistan instructing its team to play against India on February 15.
The shift in stance followed a lengthy meeting between representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the ICC, aimed at convincing Pakistan to drop its boycott threat. The match is considered the tournament’s biggest revenue generator. The development was confirmed through the Pakistan government’s official social media handle. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the decision to withdraw the boycott was influenced by appeals from “friendly nations” such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, along with progress made during multilateral talks.
"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 tweet wrote.
"Moreover, this decision has been 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.
"The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)."
"The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan's leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges."
Pakistan had initially declared a boycott in support of Bangladesh after the latter refused to travel to India for its matches. However, after the ICC adopted a conciliatory approach toward Bangladesh, the PCB has shown willingness to rethink its position. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reportedly said Pakistan had no direct complaints and had acted only in solidarity with Bangladesh. He also suggested that the board was open to revising its boycott decision if positive developments continued.
- With inputs from agencies
