Pakistan makes U-turn, announces it will play against India as per T20 World Cup schedule

The marquee India vs Pakistan match will go ahead as per original schedule of the 2026 T20 World Cup after the Pakistani government backtracked on its stance of not taking field in Colombo on February 15 when the two teams are supposed to face each other.

T20 World Cup 2026:  News |  Schedule |  Results |  Points Table

The Government of Pakistan in a fresh statement on Monday night said that it is allowing its cricket team to play against India in the February 15 clash. The International Cricket Council (ICC) too confirmed the development, announcing that its discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were successful.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE boards involved

The decision comes after a series of negotiations between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in which Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was also involved. Just before the official announcement from Pakistan government, BCB chief Animul Islam had also urged Pakistan to play India for the betterment of entire cricketing ecosystem.

The Pakistani government said that communications from multiple cricket boards sought Pakistan cricket team’s leadership to the challenges regarding the World Cup and in view of these, the U-turn was taken.

More from First Cricket

India vs Zimbabwe LIVE Score, T20 World Cup 2026: Kishan falls for 38 after Abhishek completes fifty What is the US-imported chemical reportedly being used to prevent dew during India's do-or-die clash at Chepauk?

“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.

Quick Reads

View All

India-Pakistan match: Deep passion, visa-free travel drives Colombo airfare spike

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

“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 said.

ICC says all members will respected World Cup commitments

ICC also said that its engagement with PCB was successful and the decision was taken to serve the best interests of the game of cricket.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation.

“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success,” ICC in its statement said.

With the impasse ending, India and Pakistan will now face each other on Sunday, February 15 in a highly commercially valuable fixture for world cricket.