Pakistan has ended its proposed boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India and plans to broadcast the match live on Sky Sports as scheduled this Sunday.
Bangladesh were excluded from this year’s T20 World Cup after refusing to tour India due to political tensions and security concerns, with Scotland added as a last-minute replacement.
Last month, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi warned that Pakistan’s national team could withdraw from the tournament altogether in order to boycott the match against India on February 15, after the Pakistani government had initially told the team to participate but boycott.
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Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to end its proposed boycott “in the interest of the entire cricket ecosystem” and the Pakistani government confirmed on Monday that it wanted to reverse the decision and go ahead with the match.
“In view of the achievements achieved in the multilateral consultations and the requests of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to participate in the scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches on February 15, 2026,” the Pakistani government said in a statement.
“Furthermore, this decision was taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting the continuation of this global sport in all participating countries.
“The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend our best wishes to the Men in Green. We are confident that our team will bring the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride to the field as we compete for world glory.”
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Pakistan would have been stripped of points had the group stage game against India not been played first. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had already confirmed that the team would head to Colombo despite the initial boycott plan.
The boycott decision was initially taken to “support” Bangladesh, but the approach changed following a recent meeting between the ICC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and PCB.
Before announcing that Pakistan would play the match, BCB Chairman Md Aminul Islam said, “We are deeply touched by Pakistan’s efforts, which have gone above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. May our brotherhood prosper for a long time.”
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“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and in view of the outcome of further discussions, I urge Pakistan to play India in the ICC T20 World Cup on February 15, in the interest of the entire cricketing ecosystem.”
“We accept with great warmth the profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh,” the Pakistani government added in a statement.
Due to geopolitical tensions, the match between India and Pakistan will be played on neutral grounds, but future revenues and funds distributed to other ICC countries could be threatened if the match is not held.
“All members have agreed to honor their commitments in accordance with the ICC Event Participation Rules and to do all necessary to ensure the success of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the ICC said in a statement.
What will happen to Bangladesh in the future?
The ICC said it would not impose any sporting, financial or administrative penalties on Bangladesh for refusing to play in India. He also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before the 2031 50-over World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
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“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is disappointing, but does not change the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta said.
“We remain focused on continuing to work closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure the sport sustains growth in the country and future opportunities for players and fans are enhanced.
“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem worthy of long-term investment in development, competitiveness and global integration, and not defined by short-term disruption.”
Watch every match of the Men’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports until March 8th. Get Sky Sports and stream now without a contract.
