Pakistan reverses T20 World Cup boycott, India vs Pakistan match likely on
Pakistan has reversed its decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan game in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, following intensive talks with the ICC. The match is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15. The ICC had warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of possible sanctions if the team failed to take the field.
An ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, visited Lahore for face-to-face discussions with the PCB to de-escalate the controversy. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta also met PCB officials in Colombo on Saturday, while Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam attended the talks. Following the deliberations, sources indicate that the IND vs PAK game is likely to receive a green light.
The ICC had previously sought clarification from Pakistan on the invocation of the ‘Force Majeure’ clause, which the PCB cited to justify its initial refusal to play. The ICC emphasized that the interests of the game must take precedence over unilateral actions, citing a similar engagement with Bangladesh before they were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns.
According to an ICC director, PCB has now approached the board for discussions, signaling a potential resolution and a positive outcome for the marquee clash.
