India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Decision Highlights: Pakistan takes U-turn, to play against IND on Feb 15

“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, Mr. 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.

“This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they 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 amicably resolve the current impasse,” PCB said.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have concluded an open, constructive and congenial dialogue. This dialogue covered several matters, including but not limited to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.

“While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB’s position as a valued Full Member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game,” ICC said in its latest statement

BCB’s latest statement tells Pakistan to play India:

Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza has said that their team is preparing for all matches. It can be seen as a confirmation that Pakistan is all set to make a U-turn on its decision of not playing India at the T20 World Cup.

“We are preparing for the entire T20 World Cup. We will play accordingly to the team we have to play. It will be the decision of the government. We will do whatever is told to us. We are focused on the coming match and we are focusing on the match one-to-one, whichever is coming up. And about the match on the 15th (vs India), that is the decision of the government, whatever they decide we will play accordingly,” he said.

Zimbabwe have bowled out Oman for 103 in 19.5 overs with pacers Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans taking three wickets each.

Earlier, Scotland defeated Italy by 73 runs in what was the latter’s maiden outing in the T20 World Cup. In the evening, we will see South Africa taking on Canada.

• February 10: Pakistan vs USA, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo (7pm local time, 1.30pm GMT).
• February 15: Pakistan vs India, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (7pm local time, 1.30pm GMT).
• February 18: Pakistan vs Namibia, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo (3pm local time, 9.30am GMT).

Nauman Niaz says he sees Pakistan playing India on Feb 15:

Rajeev Shukla says BCCI has no role to play in the PCB-ICC discussions:

“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” Sharif said during his address to the federal cabinet in Islamabad.

He, however, could be forced to make a U-turn soon!