New Delhi : Pakistan has retracted its earlier plan to boycott its highly anticipated group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, officials confirmed on Monday, following sustained discussions involving the sport’s governing body. The fixture, slated for 15 February in Colombo, will now go ahead as scheduled after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team to take the field.
The government’s announcement on its social media platform stated that, “in view of the outcomes achieved as well as at the request of friendly countries,” Pakistan would fulfil its commitment to play India. This decision follows days of back-and-forth negotiations between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Also read : Pakistan Sets Three Conditions Before ICC to Consider Playing India in T20 World Cup – Report
Pakistan had earlier indicated it would boycott the India game in solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter was removed from the tournament for refusing to play in India over security concerns. That led to Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the competition. The proposed boycott threatened significant commercial fallout, given the India-Pakistan clash is the most lucrative fixture of the World Cup.
Appeals from several cricket boards, including Sri Lanka and the UAE, reportedly played a role in persuading Pakistan to reverse course. Leaders from co-hosting nations had stressed the broader implications of a cancellation, including financial impacts for participating countries.
While political tensions remain high in the region, officials from Pakistan and the ICC emphasised the importance of maintaining the spirit of the sport and ensuring the continuity of the tournament. The reversal allows one of cricket’s most storied rivalries to continue on the global stage, preserving the integrity and commercial appeal of the T20 World Cup.
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