The blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as planned, after the Pakistan Cricket Board reversed its earlier threat to boycott the match following talks with the International Cricket Council.
The development was confirmed through a post by the Government of Pakistan on X, which said the national team had been directed to honor its February 15 fixture.
“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.
The government added that the decision was taken “to protect the spirit of cricket” and to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of the global tournament across all participating nations.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was formally briefed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcome of high-level consultations involving the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Pakistan also reviewed formal appeals from Bangladesh, along with communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other member nations, urging Islamabad to help find a workable solution amid the ongoing dispute.
Pakistan had earlier announced it would not play India in the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, after Dhaka refused to travel to India for its scheduled matches. With the ICC choosing a conciliatory route to address Bangladesh’s concerns, the PCB has now stepped back from its hardline stance.
Meanwhile, Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza said the team had remained focused on its broader World Cup campaign amid the uncertainty. Speaking to reporters ahead of Pakistan’s match against the United States, Mirza said the players were awaiting official directions from the government.
“We are preparing for the entire T20 World Cup. We will play against whichever team we are scheduled to face,” the 32-year-old said. “It is the government’s decision, and we will do whatever we are instructed to do.”
Mirza added that the team was not dwelling on the high-profile India fixture, particularly with an immediate challenge ahead. “Right now, our focus is on the next match. We are taking it one game at a time,” he said, referring to the USA, who had defeated Pakistan in the previous edition of the tournament. “As for the match on the 15th, that decision rests with the government. Whatever they decide, we will follow.”
