T20 World Cup: Pakistan make U-turn, to play India as scheduled on February 15

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash will go ahead as scheduled after the Government of Pakistan made a dramatic U-turn on its proposed boycott following discussions with ICC officials, directing the national team to take the field against India on February 15.

The announcement was confirmed via the Government of Pakistan's social media account.

"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 tweet wrote.

"Moreover, 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," it added.

"The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the



International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)."

"The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan's leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges."

Pakistan had earlier announced its boycott of the T20 World Cup encounter against India in solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter refused to travel to India for their matches. However, with the ICC opting for a conciliatory approach towards Bangladesh, the PCB now appears ready to reconsider its position.

The PCB chief and Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi is understood to have told journalists that Pakistan had no grievances of its own and that its position was driven solely by solidarity with Bangladesh. He is also believed to have indicated that the Pakistan Cricket Board was open to reconsidering its boycott stance against India in the T20 World Cup if there were constructive developments.