Pakistan’s U-Turn Official: Shehbaz Sharif Govt Allows Team To Play India In T20 World Cup

The Pakistan government has ordered the national men’s team to take the field against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15. It can be seen as the final confirmation of the match going ahead, and the end of the week-long impasse involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“… 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),” a government statement said.

The statement

said the government examined the official representations submitted to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with related messages from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member countries. These communications requested Pakistan’s guidance in achieving a practical resolution to the prevailing issues faced collectively today.

Additionally, the Government acknowledged remarks made by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam, who had urged the PCB not to boycott the game as well.

“The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh,” the statement said.

It also confirmed the Pakistani PM getting the call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“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 resolve 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,” the statement concluded.