Pakistan Ends Boycott, Will Face India at T20 World Cup

Islamabad—Pakistan’s government on Monday formally directed its national cricket team to end its boycott and play India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, clearing the way for the sport’s most lucrative fixture to proceed in Colombo next Sunday.

The decision, announced on the social-media platform X, capped a week of back-channel diplomacy that drew in the International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and, finally, the prime ministers of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“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 read.

The impasse began after the ICC dismissed Bangladesh’s security objections and removed the Tigers from the tournament two weeks ago. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi condemned the move as “double standards,” and Islamabad ordered the side to boycott the India group-stage match in solidarity with Bangladesh.

With broadcast contracts and ICC funding hanging in the balance, ICC director Imran Khawaja and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam flew to Lahore over the weekend to meet PCB officials. On Monday evening a phone call between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—whose country is co-hosting the event—helped break the deadlock.

The ICC quickly welcomed the reversal, saying all members had reaffirmed their commitment to the terms of participation and pledged “to do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be awarded a global tournament before the 2031 men’s World Cup, and the ICC confirmed it would not sanction the BCB for missing this event, while leaving the door open for Bangladesh to pursue further recourse through the dispute-resolution committee.

Islam praised Pakistan’s stance, saying, “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.”

Pakistan, which opened its campaign with a win over the Netherlands, now turns its attention to the marquee clash against India, reigniting a rivalry that transcends sport across the subcontinent.

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