Pakistan Reverses Boycott, Set to Face India in T20 World Cup Match on February 15

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo will go ahead as the PCB took a U-turn following consultations with key stakeholders.

Pakistan will now face India in the T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, indicating a shift from their earlier boycott stance. The developments followed consultations held by ICC, PCB and BCB. The high-profile fixture is expected to go ahead at the R Premadasa Stadium as planned.

“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 wrote in their official media release.

“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country,” it added.

READ ALSO | ICC Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh After T20 World Cup Exit

Earlier, the PCB had raised multiple demands related to the financial losses Bangladesh incurred after their exit from the tournament. These included a push for the return of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket and a proposed tri-series involving Bangladesh. While bilateral cricket falls outside ICC authority and the tri-series proposal was declined, the ICC is open to considering Bangladesh as hosts for a future tournament.