Pakistan’s government has reversed its decision to boycott the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India, confirming the fixture will proceed on 15 February in Colombo.
The announcement came on Monday evening following diplomatic pressure from both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, bringing an end to a week-long impasse that had threatened cricket’s most commercially valuable match.
“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,” stated an official press release from Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave final approval after discussions with Sri Lanka’s president earlier on Monday.
Pakistan’s government have accepted a request to end the boycott
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The stand-off began last week when Islamabad advised its national team not to take the field against their traditional rivals, a move made in solidarity with Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had sought to have their matches relocated away from India due to security concerns, but the International Cricket Council rejected this request.
Bangladesh subsequently withdrew from the tournament entirely.
Pakistan’s initial boycott drew parallels with an earlier controversy surrounding the Champions Trophy, when India declined to travel to Pakistan and had their fixtures moved to the United Arab Emirates instead.
The rejection of Bangladesh’s similar request became a point of contention in the latest dispute.
Relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained, particularly following a four-day military conflict in April 2025 triggered by a militant attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.
A boycott had been in place for a week before Pakistan decided against going ahead with it
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The Bangladesh Cricket Board played a crucial role in resolving the deadlock, with president Ameenul Islam requesting that Pakistan participate “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem”.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Islam added following talks between PCB, ICC and BCB officials in Lahore on Sunday.
The Pakistan government framed its reversal as a commitment to the sport’s future, stating the 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”.
The ICC welcomed the resolution, noting that dialogue with the PCB reflected “a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings” while remaining “united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game”.
The cancellation of the fixture would have carried significant financial ramifications for the sport globally.
Pakistan had announced they will boycott the match against India at T20 World Cup earlier this month
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Disputes over the ICC’s existing broadcasting rights deals could have emerged, with continued uncertainty likely affecting future agreements as major Asian television contracts expire after the 2027 World Cup.
Smaller cricketing nations, which depend heavily on ICC revenue distribution, stood to suffer most from any reduction in income.
Sri Lanka will now benefit from ticket sales and the influx of spectators travelling to witness the showpiece encounter.
The ICC also confirmed that Bangladesh will face no sanctions for their withdrawal from the tournament, while announcing the country will host an ICC event between 2028 and the beginning of the 2031 World Cup, though specific details were not disclosed.
