 "PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also the home minister of Pakistan. AFP")
Pakistan will play India on February 15 in their scheduled Group A encounter in the ongoing T20 World Cup, confirmed the Government of Pakistan which took a U-turn on its previous stance of boycotting the highly commercially lucrative game that will take place in Colombo.
Pakistani government announced its decision to reverse the boycott late on Monday saying that multiple cricket boards from across the world contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that led to them finally agreeing to play India.
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“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 statement from the Government of Pakistan stated.
Fans call out Naqvi’s ‘gimmick’
On February 1, just days ahead of the start of the tournament, the Government of Pakistan had announced that it will not allow its team to participate in the game against India. Even Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif had reiterated that Pakistan will not play against India at the T20 World Cup.
Despite Sharif openly communicating the decision, it has now been reversed leading to a big embarrassment for Pakistan.
However, veteran broadcaster Harsha Bhogle said that the boycott was never on cards despite the announcement from Pakistan.
Some fans saw it as a ploy by the PCB chief and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to shine his image and dent Shehbaz’s with hopes of becoming the next Prime Minister of Pakistan.