T20 World Cup: Pakistan govt makes U-turn, allows team to play India match on February 15
The Pakistan government has made a U-turn on its earlier stance and has now allowed the men’s cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15.
Earlier, the Pakistan government had asked the team not to take the field against archrivals India as a mark of support for Bangladesh, which was dropped from the ICC T20 World Cup and replaced by Scotland after its demand to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka was rejected by the ICC.
However, with the ICC taking a hardline stance on Pakistan’s threat to boycott the match, and following requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Sri Lanka government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light for Pakistan to play the fixture.
The Pakistan government said it permitted the team to play the February 15 match following requests from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
“The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as 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,” the government said in a statement.
“The Government further noted the statement by BCB President Mr Aminul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation was received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.”
The statement added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday evening. During the discussion, both leaders recalled how Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always stood together, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to give serious consideration to amicably resolving the current impasse.
“In view of the outcomes achieved through multilateral discussions, as well as the requests 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 statement said.
The stand-off between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board began on February 1, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cleared the team to participate in the World Cup but barred them from taking the field against India in Colombo.
Pakistan’s boycott threat followed a separate dispute between the ICC and Bangladesh, which began last month. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka over security concerns, replacing Bangladesh with Scotland.
Pakistan are currently in Sri Lanka and will play their second Group A match against the United States on Tuesday.
