The Pakistan government has made a U-turn on its earlier stance and allowed the national men’s cricket team to play its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.
Earlier, the government had directed the team to stay away from the fixture against arch-rivals India as a mark of solidarity with Bangladesh. The move followed Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament after the ICC rejected its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns, replacing it with Scotland.
Pakistan’s position softened after the ICC took a firm stand against any boycott threat, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Sri Lankan government urged Islamabad to reconsider.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif subsequently approved the team’s participation.
“The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the 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.
It further added, “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 also revealed that Shahbaz Sharif spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, recalling the close ties between the two nations.
Following these discussions, the government issued its final directive.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussion, 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,” the statement noted.
Background and Next Fixture
The standoff began on February 1 when Sharif cleared Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup but barred the team from playing India in Colombo.
Pakistan is currently in Sri Lanka and will play its second Group A match against the United States on Tuesday.
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