ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan on Monday officially directed the National Cricket Team to take part in their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The decision was taken after the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“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 said in a statement.
The government also reviewed the requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations, which helped Pakistan’s leadership in securing a solution.
“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,” the statement continued.
“The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.
“This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolving the current impasse.
“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. “
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The government further stated that the decision has been taken to protect the spirit of the sport.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his best wishes to the national team and expressed confidence in reclaiming the glory.
“The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the “Men in Green.” We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”
Pakistan-India standoff
For the unversed, earlier on February 1, the Government of Pakistan announced that its national cricket team would boycott the match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan are included in Group A, alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia.
The Green Shirts kicked off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands with a win on February 7, in Colombo.
The 2009 champions are scheduled to play all of their matches in Sri Lanka; Colombo, with Super Eights matches also scheduled in Colombo and Kandy.
Pakistan World Cup remaining fixtures
February 10: Pakistan vs USA, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
February 15: Pakistan vs India, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
February 18: Pakistan vs Namibia, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
READ: All ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squads in detail with key players to watch