T20 World Cup 2026: As the IND-PAK impasse in the Cricketing world comes to an end, Pakistan's government decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from the boards of Bangladesh (BCB) and Sri Lanka (SLC). The bitter rivals, India and Pakistan, will face each other in an anticipated clash on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, in his official statement, urged Pakistan to take the field against India in much anticipated clash, reasoning for the greater good of Cricket as a sport. After this statement, it was a given that the Pakistan government would end the boycott as soon as possible.
Notably, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also laid out a statement.
"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 stated in a press release.
"...this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations," the statement from Pakistan government added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who too urged him to allow the team to play the match.
"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse."
The government statement came after Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi briefed Sharif about his dialogue with the ICC that also involved Islam on Sunday.
Naqvi had earlier stated that it would take another day to reach a final decision.
"Bangladesh's stance was valid so we had to back them," he asserted.
Bangladesh were ousted from the tournament for refusing to play in India citing security concerns.
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Naqvi brushed aside suggestions that the PCB was under pressure due to ICC's warning of punitive action.
"You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshall (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions," he said.
Soon after, the ICC also issued a statement in Dubai, saying that it would not be penalising Bangladesh for its refusal to play in India. The country was ultimately 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," stated a press release from the world body.
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"It is acknowledged that 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 also agreed to give the hosting rights of a global event to Bangladesh between 2028 and 2031.
Inputs from Agency