The Pakistan government has finally made a U-turn on its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India.
The government reversed its earlier decision not to play against India and has now withdrawn it after a week of talks.
The Pakistan government has finally made a U-turn on its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. The government has reversed its earlier decision not to play against India and has now withdrawn it after a week of talks between the International Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. India will now play Pakistan in the men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on February 15.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated in its official announcement, “Taking into account the results achieved in multilateral discussions as well as the requests from friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Influence
According to a PTI report, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was persuaded by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on February 14. A PTI source said, “Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif received calls from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and has accepted their request to withdraw the boycott call.”
The Pakistan government also mentioned in its statement that it was persuaded by the requests of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the United Arab Emirates. “The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to the PCB, as well as the letters of support received from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member countries,” the statement said.
ICC’s Softening Stance Towards Bangladesh
The ICC issued a statement stating that Bangladesh will not be fined or sanctioned for not participating in the T20 World Cup. This decision also paves the way for Pakistan to withdraw its boycott appeal. The ICC also assured the BCB of the honor of hosting ICC tournaments between 2028 and 2031. Following this, the BCB urged the Pakistan government to withdraw the boycott appeal and play against India “in the interest of the entire cricket system.”
“Hint” by PCB Chief
Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi had previously hinted that Pakistan might withdraw its boycott call after the PSL auction. Furthermore, former PCB chief Najam Sethi had also hinted that some “good news” was on the way for Pakistan cricket, and that Naqvi would announce it after discussions. However, earlier reports claimed that the ICC had rejected all three of the PCB’s key demands.
ICC-PCB-BCB Meeting
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made some demands in a meeting with a two-member International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation on Sunday. BCB chief Aminul Islam and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi were also present.
The PCB and BCB have requested the ICC to organize a triangular series between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There has been no official confirmation from the ICC yet.
