Pakistan's U-turn on boycotting India at the T20 World Cup is now official. In a notification issued late on Monday night, the Pakistan government allowed its cricket team to take the field against...
Pakistan's U-turn on boycotting India at the T20 World Cup is now official. In a notification issued late on Monday night, the Pakistan government allowed its cricket team to take the field against India on February 15 in the T20 World Cup, which means the match will go ahead as per the original schedule. The statement ends days of speculation on whether the "costliest cricket match in the world", with some reports valuing it at over Rs 4,000 crore, would happen or not. The development came a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC) met in Lahore.
"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 Pakistan government said in a statement.
"Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations."
It had become clear that the country would withdraw its call after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement urging Pakistan to take the field for the greater good of the game. While Aminul's letter attempted to portray Bangladesh as taking a generous stand "for the benefit of cricket," it appeared more like a face-saving proposal for Pakistan.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had publicly stated that the country would boycott the India match. Hence, the letter provided optics that could help Pakistan avoid criticism from its own people for changing its stance.
What Happened Before the U-Turn
On Monday evening, BCB chief Islam issued a statement in Dhaka expressing his gratitude towards Pakistan for backing his country but requested that the team show up for the high-profile game for the greater good of the sport.
"We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish," Islam said. "Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem," he added.
Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also called Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. "The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse," the Pakistan government said in its statement.
"During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times."
Soon after, the ICC issued a statement in Dubai saying it would not penalise Bangladesh for refusing to play in India. The country has already been replaced by Scotland in the tournament roster.
"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," the world body said.
"It is acknowledged that the BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact," it added.
In addition, the ICC agreed to grant Bangladesh the hosting rights for a global event between 2028 and 2031.
How the Pakistan Cricket Board Reacted
Earlier on Monday evening, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi tried to put up a brave face ahead of an imminent U-turn. "You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshal (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions," he said.
It is understood that during his meeting with ICC deputy chair Imran Khawaja on Sunday, Naqvi presented a few demands, including the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and a tri-series involving Bangladesh and India, to offset the losses the BCB incurred following their shocking ouster from the global event.
While Indo-Pak bilateral cricket is not within the ICC's purview, the demand for a tri-series was summarily rejected. India haven't played any tri-nation tournament in more than a decade.
ICC Response After the Boycott Drama Ended
The ICC acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved in resolving the crisis.
"The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement, with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation," it said in a statement.
"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."
Regarding Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its commitment to supporting one of cricket's most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans, and ensuring that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have long-term repercussions for cricket in the country.
How the ICC Negotiated With PCB and Bangladesh
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 decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistani media reported that the lengthy negotiations concluded with an expected resolution through mutual consultation in the "next few hours," with a roadmap finalised between Khawaja, Naqvi, and Aminul Islam.
This development came after the official X handle of the Pakistan government announced that the Men in Green would not take the field on February 15. PM Shehbaz Sharif later linked the boycott to the controversy involving Bangladesh, framing it as a symbol of solidarity.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup after their request to have all matches played outside India was rejected by the ICC. Bangladesh had sought the change after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid concerns over atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh
