Pakistan to play T20 World Cup match against India

The Government of Pakistan has announced that the national cricket team will play its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo. The decision was taken after extensive consultations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and several regional cricket boards.

According to an official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcomes of high-level discussions with the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The government reviewed formal requests from Bangladesh, along with supportive communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations, urging Pakistan to help find a constructive solution to recent challenges affecting the tournament.

The statement also noted a phone conversation between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which both leaders reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between their countries. President Dissanayake requested Pakistan to give serious consideration to resolving the situation amicably, recalling Pakistan’s continued support for Sri Lankan cricket during difficult periods in the past.

In light of the outcomes of multilateral discussions and the appeals of friendly nations, the Pakistani government directed the national team to take the field for the February 15 fixture. The government said the decision was made to protect the spirit of cricket and to ensure the continuity of the global game across all participating nations.

Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed that no financial, sporting, or administrative penalty would be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board for opting out of the tournament. The ICC also agreed that Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, subject to standard hosting procedures.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade and currently face each other only in global or regional tournaments, making the Colombo clash one of the most anticipated matches of the T20 World Cup.