The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo is now confirmed to go ahead, according to sources, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a dramatic U-turn on its boycott decision.
PCB Relents After Government Boycott Stance
The PCB has relented after Pakistan’s government had earlier decided to boycott the February 15 Group B match in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament for refusing to travel to India for their matches. This development came a day after crucial negotiations between the PCB, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Lahore.
However, the PCB has not officially announced its participation yet. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that negotiations with the ICC are still ongoing and a final announcement will be made only after consulting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
ICC Rejects PCB’s Three Key Demands
The PCB placed several demands before the ICC on Sunday, but the Jay Shah-led global cricket body has rejected some of the key proposals. The three demands that were turned down include:
- Resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral series: The PCB demanded that the BCCI must allow their national team to engage with Pakistan in bilateral matches, which the ICC denied, stating it does not fall under its jurisdiction.
- Start of an India-Pakistan-Bangladesh tri-series: The PCB proposed a tri-nation tournament involving India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but the ICC clearly turned down the request.
- Guarantee about India tour of Bangladesh in 2026: The PCB demanded that India must tour Bangladesh later this year for the series that was postponed last year, but the ICC maintained that it cannot intervene in decisions related to bilateral series.
PCB Chairman’s Official Statement
Mohsin Naqvi refused to officially accept that a U-turn decision has already been taken. In a press conference on Monday, he stated:
“Regarding the Bangladesh issue, at that time, we were not going to let their point of view slide. They are our brothers, and the entire situation was right there in front of you. Things are currently in progress, so I won’t say much. I think the ICC and the Bangladesh Board are in a phase where it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment. I am personally waiting; as soon as any information comes from their side, we will inform you immediately”.
Timeline of Events Leading to U-Turn
An ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and BCB President Aminul Islam met in Lahore on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s boycott decision. Pakistan media reported that the lengthy negotiations have concluded, with the dispute expected to be resolved through mutual consultation in the “next few hours,” with a roadmap finalized between the three officials.
The boycott controversy erupted after the official X handle of the Pakistan Government announced that the Men in Green would not take the field in the February 15 clash. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later linked this boycott to the controversy with Bangladesh, citing it as a symbol of solidarity.
Bangladesh’s Role in the Controversy
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup after their request to have all their matches played outside India could not be agreed upon by the ICC. This decision was implemented because Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the squad after instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid concerns related to atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
Match Status and What’s Next
With the latest developments, Pakistan is expected to travel to Colombo and face India in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15 as originally scheduled. The match remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket, with both nations having already begun their tournament campaigns.
The cricketing world now awaits the official announcement from the PCB following PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which is expected in the coming hours.
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