T20 World Cup: Pakistan Takes U-Turn on Boycott Call, Set to Face India on February 15 in Colombo

The Government of Pakistan has directed its national cricket team to take the field on February 15 for its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against defending champions India, reversing an earlier decision to boycott the fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh.

The decision followed high-level consultations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the outcomes of the discussions.

According to an official statement issued by the Government of Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s decision came after diplomatic outreach and appeals from several countries.

“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,” the statement said.

It added, “Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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).”

Diplomatic Outreach and ICC Talks Lead to Pakistan’s Reversal

The ICC had convened a meeting at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday involving the PCB and the BCB to discuss Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match, which is scheduled to be played in Colombo.

Following the meeting, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul urged Pakistan to take the field for the February 15 clash.

The Pakistan government statement noted that multiple representations had been received on the issue.

“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,” it said.

The reversal comes days after the official X handle of the Pakistan government announced that the Men in Green would not take the field on February 15, with Prime Minister Sharif linking the boycott to the Bangladesh controversy as a symbol of solidarity.

Sri Lanka Welcomes Decision

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed Pakistan’s decision and thanked Prime Minister Sharif for ensuring the match goes ahead.

He added, “As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the @ICC and all concerned for their efforts. Sri Lanka hasn't forgotten the solidarity shown by both India and Pakistan during the 1996 World Cup, when they played in Colombo at a time when others refrained due to security concerns.”

In a separate release, the ICC confirmed that it, along with the PCB and the BCB, had concluded an open, constructive and congenial dialogue covering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.

The global governing body acknowledged Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament as unfortunate but reaffirmed BCB’s position as a valued Full Member with a vital role in the growth of the global game.

ICC Backs Bangladesh Cricket, Rules Out Sanctions Despite T20 World Cup Absence

“The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity,” the ICC said.

The ICC reiterated its commitment to facilitating cricket’s growth in Bangladesh, describing it as one of the sport’s most vibrant markets with more than 200 million passionate fans.

It said the national team’s non-participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup would not have any long-term impact on cricket in the country.

It was also confirmed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty would be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board, although the BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee under existing ICC regulations.

As part of the understanding reached, the ICC said Bangladesh would host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031, subject to standard hosting processes and operational requirements, reflecting confidence in the country’s hosting capabilities.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said, “Bangladesh's absence from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC's enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders, including BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened. Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”

Bangladesh had cited security concerns and sought to have all their matches played outside India, a request that was not agreed upon by the ICC.

The situation was further complicated by the removal of Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh’s squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid concerns related to atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

(With inputs from ANI)