The Government of Pakistan announced that the national cricket team will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup match against India following consultations with ICC and Sri Lankan officials.
The decision aims to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuity of the sport across all participating nations, ensuring the T20 World Cup fixture proceeds smoothly in Colombo.
A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss Pakistan’s participation and confirmed that the team would honour its scheduled match against India.
Earlier, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reconsider the boycott, highlighting Pakistan’s long-standing support for Sri Lankan cricket during periods of terrorism and other difficult circumstances.
PM Shehbaz welcomed the Sri Lankan president’s sentiments, noting how Colombo had supported Pakistan during tough times and how recent tours had reinforced cricket relations and morale among fans across both countries.
The Prime Minister said he would inform the Sri Lankan president of a final decision regarding the India match after completing consultations with cricket authorities and relevant government stakeholders in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) thanked the PCB for its solidarity, urging Pakistan to play the February 15 fixture against India and highlighting the importance of regional cricket cooperation and unity.
BCB President Aminul Islam praised the PCB and ICC for their roles in overcoming challenges, lauding Pakistani fans for supporting the sport during the tense period leading up to the World Cup.
The ICC clarified that Bangladesh would not face any penalties for opting out of the T20 World Cup, while confirming that it would host an ICC event prior to the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The ICC emphasized that discussions with Pakistan and Bangladesh were constructive, focusing on both the current tournament and broader cricket development across South Asia.
Officials highlighted Bangladesh’s value as a full ICC member, recognizing its cricketing history and vital role in promoting the sport globally, despite the team’s absence from the ongoing T20 World Cup tournament.
It was agreed that the dialogue would provide clarity on stakeholders’ positions while preserving the ICC’s governance framework, ensuring no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties for the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Bangladesh retains the right to approach the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee under existing regulations, maintaining principles of neutrality, fairness, and facilitative support throughout the current situation and future cricket matters.
The ICC also confirmed that Bangladesh will host an event before the 2031 World Cup, reinforcing confidence in the country’s ability to organise international tournaments and support long-term cricket growth in the region.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said Bangladesh’s temporary absence does not alter its strategic importance to global cricket, noting that development, competitiveness, and opportunities for players remain priorities for long-term investment.
Pakistan had initially been allowed to participate in the tournament but was advised not to play the match against India in Colombo after Bangladesh withdrew due to security concerns and was replaced by Scotland.
Sri Lanka Cricket encouraged Pakistan to reverse its boycott decision, warning that withdrawal could result in financial losses and negatively impact tourism, which remains a crucial sector for the recovering island nation.
The government emphasized that the team’s participation would protect the integrity of cricket and preserve unity in the sport, reflecting constructive dialogue and cooperation with regional boards and ICC leadership.
The PCB, ICC, and stakeholders agreed that sportsmanship and collaboration were paramount, ensuring the February 15 T20 World Cup match proceeds for the benefit of fans, players, and the wider cricket ecosystem.
It should be noted that Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade, meeting only in global or regional tournaments, making this T20 World Cup fixture especially significant for fans.