The 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 clash between India and Pakistan will go ahead as scheduled after Pakistan’s government dramatically reversed its proposed boycott and ordered the national team to take the field against India on February 15 following discussions with ICC officials.
The announcement was confirmed through the Pakistan government’s social media account.
“In view of the results reached in the multilateral discussions and also at the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on 15 February 2026 for its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match,” he tweeted.
“Furthermore, this decision has been taken to protect the spirit of cricket and promote the continuity of this global sport in all participating countries,” it added.
“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, was formally informed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, about the outcome of the high-level discussions held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).”
“The Government of Pakistan reviewed the formal requests made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to the PCB, as well as supportive communications from Sri Lanka, the UAE and other member countries. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s guidance in securing a viable solution to the recent issues.”
Pakistan has announced this earlier boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh after Bangladesh refused to travel to India for matches. With the ICC opting for a conciliatory approach towards Bangladesh, the PCB now seems ready to rethink its stance.
PAKISTAN TEAM PREPARING IN COLUMBO
Pakistani pacer Salman Mirza said on Monday that the team is focused on his overall T20 World Cup campaign and will accept the call-up for the February 15 clash against arch-rivals India pending a decision by the government.
At a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s match against the USA on Tuesday, Mirza was asked if the players had discussed the crucial group game.
“We are preparing for the entire T20 World Cup. We will play against any team we face. It is the government’s decision and we will do whatever we are told,” the 32-year-old said.
For now, however, Mirza stressed that the team’s focus remains firmly on the USA, who defeated Pakistan in the previous edition.
“We are focusing on the upcoming match and taking it one match at a time. As far as the 15th match (against India) is concerned, the decision rests with the government. Whatever they decide, we will follow,” he added.
BANGLADESH NO FINE
The ICC agreed to take a lenient view of Bangladesh after the team refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, leading to their replacement by Scotland in the marquee tournament.
The world governing body confirmed this on Monday not impose any sanctions on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) despite the download. The decision followed discussions with the BCB as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which announced a boycott of the February 15 match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.
“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative sanction will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said in a statement.
“It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to refer to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) if it so chooses. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains unaffected.”
The ICC added that its stance was guided by the principles of neutrality and fairness and emphasized a preference for facilitative support rather than punitive action.
Bangladesh have cited security concerns over the denial of travel to India for the ongoing tournament.
As part of the agreement reached between the parties, Bangladesh will host the ICC event from 2028 to 2031.
“As part of this agreement, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, in accordance with the ICC’s usual hosting processes, timetables and operational requirements,” the statement added.
BCB INSISTED THEN TO PLAY VS INDIA
Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam on Monday urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to continue with the Group A match against India in the ongoing FIFA T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka on February 15.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond to support Bangladesh in this period. May our brotherhood flourish,” Aminul, who returned to Bangladesh from Pakistan on Monday, said in a statement.
“Following my brief visit to Pakistan yesterday and in view of the forthcoming outcome of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play an ICC T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” he added.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 9, 2026
