T20 World Cup 2026: IND vs PAK match gets the green light after boycott ends. Check details

Finally, the Govt of Pakistan granted permission to their national cricket team to take the field against India as scheduled on February 15. The decision comes after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, on the conclusions of high-profile discussions among the PCB, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

Pakistan had earlier decided not to play against arch-rival India in an effort to demonstrate solidarity towards Bangladesh, who had been removed from the tournament due to security concerns. The prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, discussed with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about the country's support during difficult circumstances. After conferring with the ICC and other countries, the Pakistani government approved their national cricket team to take the field against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. 

"This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President of Sri Lanka, during their warm and friendly conversation, recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan president requested the prime minister to accord serious consideration to resolving the current impasse amicably. 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," as an official statement from the Government of Pakistan.

"Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was on Monday formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), 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 statement added.

According to the reports, after the conclusion of the meeting at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul also urged Pakistan to play their match against India. 

"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 further noted the statement by BCB President Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh," the statement further added.

Later, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated the boycott was a show of solidarity and linked it to the conflict with Bangladesh. According to a report, Pakistan's withdrawal of the boycott decision saved USD 174 million, and there would be no financial loss for any stakeholder. If they stick to their boycott decision, they will face heavy consequences. 

In between, Pakistan also put some conditions to reverse their decision in front of the ICC. The PCB requested that Bangladesh not face any sanctions, which the ICC accepted. The ICC even agreed to allow Bangladesh to host an ICC tournament in the future. This decision was also made because Bangladesh was supposed to host the Women's T20 World Cup in 2024, but given the current situation in Bangladesh that year, the tournament was shifted to Dubai. It is believed that Bangladesh could be awarded the hosting rights for the Women's T20 World Cup in 2028 or the next Under-19 World Cup.

Cricket fans around the world are delighted after hearing the green signal for this match. So far, in T20 World Cup history, India and Pakistan faced each other on 8 occasions, in which India won 7 times while Pakistan won 1 time. This will be the 9th meeting between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup stage.