KARACHI: Pakistan men’s cricket team is scheduled to play against arch-rivals India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Geo News reported on Monday.
The decision was taken after Sri Lankan President Anurakumar Dissanayake contacted Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and requested him to reconsider the decision to boycott the India clash in the 20-team mega tournament to be held in Colombo on February 15.
During the phone call, the Sri Lankan president cited the cricketing ties between the two countries, highlighting their mutual support during difficult times for each other.
Responding to this, Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the sentiments of the Sri Lankan president and reportedly gave the green signal to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to go ahead with the India match as per schedule.
Minutes after PM Shehbaz’s decision, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a public statement praising the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their unwavering support and solidarity following their exclusion from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) extends its sincere appreciation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) and all involved for their positive roles in trying to overcome the recent challenges,” the board said in a statement.
“In particular, PCB would like to express its deep and heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his Board and the cricket fans of Pakistan. Throughout this period, PCB has displayed exemplary sportsmanship and unity,” it added.
BCB president Aminul Islam echoed the comments and asked Pakistan to play the scheduled match against India for the sake of the overall cricketing environment.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood grow,” Islam said.
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in the interest of the entire cricket ecosystem, keeping in mind the forthcoming results of our discussions.”
The next day, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation, including its vice-president Imran Khawaja and BCB president Aminul Islam, visited Pakistan for an important meeting.
According to insiders, the talks lasted for more than five hours, with all parties trying to reach a mutually acceptable conclusion. The ICC has reportedly responded positively to the concerns raised by Bangladesh, creating a framework to address its grievances.
During the discussions, the PCB played the role of coordinator between the ICC and the PCB. ICC vice-president Kwaja then left to get final approval for the proposed recommendations, while the PCB chief returned home to brief his government.
Later, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz and take a final decision on the matter, sources said.
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