After the Pakistan government last week instructed its cricket team not to take the field against India in a show of support for Bangladesh, the global cricket ecosystem was left in uncertainty over the fate of the crucial clash that underpins the sport’s finances. The head of Pakistan’s governing body, Mohsin Naqvi, took a hard line and did not want Pakistan to play the game against India. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended his government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it appropriate and adding that it is a “deliberate position” in support of Bangladesh.
On Monday, the Pakistan government allowed the national team to play against India in the T20 World Cup, changing the situation completely. According to a PTI report, the Pakistan government has decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending the impasse that has cast a shadow over the ongoing tournament. The Pakistan-India match will take place in Colombo on February 15.
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“Taking into account the results achieved through multilateral discussions as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take to the field on 15th February 2026 for the scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match,” the Pakistan Government said in a press release.
It became clear that the country would withdraw the call after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement urging Pakistan to take the field for the greater good of the game.
“…this decision has been taken to protect the spirit of cricket and maintain the continuity of this global sport in all participating countries,” the Pakistan government statement added.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged him to withdraw the boycott call. “The Sri Lankan President asked the Prime Minister to seriously consider ending the current impasse peacefully.”
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Why did Pakistan make a U-turn?
Pakistan’s cancellation followed a warning from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the potential financial implications of invoking a force majeure clause to justify abandoning the match in India at the last minute at the behest of the government. The U-turn came after a hectic weekend of talks to end Pakistan’s boycott of the match, with ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chiefs traveling to Lahore for talks with the PCB on Sunday. Matches between arch-rivals India and Pakistan are among the most lucrative in cricket, generating millions of dollars in broadcasting, sponsorship and advertising revenue.
Full statement from the Government of Pakistan
“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shehbaz Sharif was formally briefed by Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mr. Mohsin Naqvi about the outcome of the high-level discussions held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB),” the Pakistan government said in a statement.
“The Government of Pakistan has considered the official requests sent to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as confirmatory communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other member countries. These letters demanded Pakistan’s leadership in providing a viable solution to the recent problems.
“The government has also taken note of the statement of BCB President Mr. Amin ul Islam. The deep gratitude expressed by our brotherly people was received with great warmth. Pakistan confirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh. “This evening the Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During the warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during difficult times. The President of Sri Lanka asked the Prime Minister to give serious attention to a peaceful solution to the current impasse.
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“Taking into account the results 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 to the field on 15 February 2026 for the scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match.
“Moreover, this decision has been taken to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuation of this global sport in all participating countries. “The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the Men in Green.” We remain confident that our team will bring the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as we compete for global glory.”
What the ICC said
“The dialogue between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took place as part of a broader engagement in which both parties recognized the need for a constructive relationship and were united, committed and single-minded in their desire to serve the best interests of the game in a fair, neutral and cooperative manner,” the ICC said in a statement issued on Monday evening (9 February 2026).
“In this prevailing spirit, it has been decided that all members will honor their obligations under the terms and conditions of participation in ICC events and do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.” Next date of Lok Adalat 2026, Delhi, February 14: Here is the direct link to register tokens, timing, steps to apply, get discount, eligibility and more.