T20 World Cup: Bangladesh writes to PCB, urges Pakistan not to boycott India match in Colombo

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested Pakistan to take part in the T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by Bangladesh after the latter withdrew from the tournament following the ICC’s refusal to relocate their matches out of India.

Thereafter, Pakistan’s government announced it would boycott the match against India, refusing to take the field as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh. Aminul, while acknowledging Pakistan’s position, said that considering the interests of the cricket ecosystem, it would be better for Pakistan to play the match on Sunday.

“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Aminul said in a statement, released by the BCB.

“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Aminul added.

Aminul was in Lahore, where the BCB president held a meeting with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Pakistan’s Naqvi, as the sport’s governing body scrambled to contain a crisis threatening the integrity of the tournament schedule. The decision had put one of cricket’s marquee fixtures in jeopardy and raised questions about the influence of politics on sport.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the boycott, calling it “very considered” and intended to show unity with Bangladesh, while stressing that politics should not overshadow sport. His comments underline the government’s backing of the move amid growing concern from the global cricketing community.

PAKISTAN MAKE U-TURN

Pakistan, meanwhile, made a dramatic U-turn after the government reversed its proposed boycott following discussions with ICC officials, directing the national team to take the field against India on February 15.

The decision was confirmed via the Government of Pakistan’s official social media account.

"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," the tweet wrote.

Naqvi had hinted about a U-turn while attending the auction of Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans in Rawalpindi on Monday. When asked about the ICC delegation's visit to Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi said: “When a guest comes over, then you try and forget a lot of things.”

Earlier in the meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board put forward several demands to the ICC regarding its T20 World Cup boycott of the India match. The ICC rejected three key proposals, including resuming bilateral cricket with India and a tri-series involving Bangladesh and India. Thereafter, Naqvi was earlier given a day to consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirm Pakistan’s stance.

BCCI, PCB'S STRAINED RELATIONS

Relations between the PCB and BCCI have long been strained, particularly after India declined to tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and following the Asia Cup 2025, when Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Tensions increased when Bangladesh informed the ICC it would not travel to India over security concerns. Pakistan reportedly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches, but the ICC rejected the request.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are set to face the United States on Monday, February 9, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo before facing Suryakumar Yadav's India. They began their campaign with a five-wicket win over the Netherlands on the opening day of the tournament.