T20 World Cup: Pakistan make U-turn, to play India as scheduled on February 15

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash will go ahead as scheduled after the Government of Pakistan made a dramatic U-turn on its proposed boycott following discussions with ICC officials, directing the national team to take the field against India on February 15.

The past few days have witnessed intense discussions between the PCB, the BCB and the ICC in a bid to persuade Pakistan to withdraw its threat to boycott the T20 World Cup clash against India — the tournament’s most financially lucrative fixture. On Sunday, BCB chairman Aminul Islam and ICC director Imran Khawaja arrived in Lahore for negotiations with PCB officials.

The announcement was confirmed via the Government of Pakistan's 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.

"Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations," it added.

"The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)."

"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."

Pakistan had earlier announced its boycott of the T20 World Cup encounter against India in solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter refused to travel to India for their matches. However, with the ICC opting for a conciliatory approach towards Bangladesh, the PCB now appears ready to reconsider its position.

The PCB chief and Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi is understood to have told journalists that Pakistan had no grievances of its own and that its position was driven solely by solidarity with Bangladesh. He is also believed to have indicated that the Pakistan Cricket Board was open to reconsidering its boycott stance against India in the T20 World Cup if there were constructive developments.

PAKISTAN TEAM PREPARES IN COLOMBO

Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza on Monday said the team is focused on its overall T20 World Cup campaign and will take a call on the February 15 clash against arch-rivals India only after a decision from the government.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s match against the USA on Tuesday, Mirza was asked whether the players had discussed the high-profile fixture within the group.

“We are preparing for the entire T20 World Cup. We will play against whichever team we are scheduled to face. It is the government’s decision, and we will do whatever we are instructed to do,” the 32-year-old said.

For now, however, Mirza stressed that the team’s attention remains firmly on the USA, who had beaten Pakistan in the previous edition.

“We are focused on the upcoming match and taking it one game at a time. As for the match on the 15th (against India), that decision rests with the government. Whatever they decide, we will follow,” he added.

NO PENALTY ON BANGLADESH

The ICC has agreed to take a lenient view of Bangladesh after the team refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, a decision that led to their replacement by Scotland in the marquee tournament.

On Monday, the world governing body confirmed that it would not impose any penalty on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) despite the withdrawal. The decision followed discussions with the BCB as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had announced a boycott of the February 15 fixture against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.

"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," the ICC said in a statement.

"It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact."

The ICC added that its stance was guided by principles of neutrality and fairness, emphasising a preference for facilitative support rather than punitive action.

Bangladesh had cited security concerns for declining to travel to India for the ongoing tournament.

As part of the understanding reached between the parties, Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.

"As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements," the statement added.

BCB URGED PAK TO PLAY VS INDIA

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam on Monday urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to go ahead with their Group A fixture against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka on February 15.

"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, who returned to Bangladesh from Pakistan on Monday, said in a statement.

"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 eco system," he added.

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