After a prolonged bit of drama, the high-stakes India vs Pakistan match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, slated to be held on the 15th of February in Colombo, will go ahead as planned after Pakistan’s
government, following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, decided to withdraw its boycott.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla praised the ICC for finding a solution that prompted Pakistan to withdraw its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India.
“I would like to thank the ICC chairman (Jay Shah) and its office-bearers on behalf of the BCCI for finding a very good solution,” Shukla said.
“After discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and after listening to all sides, this decision has been taken,” he added.
“This decision is very important for cricket. Cricket must go and the World Cup will now be a big success. This is a big achievement as far as ICC is concerned.”
“Even Bangladesh Cricket Board has praised the ICC, so it has listened to all sides and arrived at the decision after taking into consideration the interests of everyone,” he continued.
“Ultimately cricket is most important for everyone, international cricket is important for everyone,” the veteran administrator, who is also a Congress leader, added.
It became evident that Pakistan would lift the boycott after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement in Dhaka, urging the country to play for the greater good of the game.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who requested him to allow the team to participate in the match.
The government issued a statement following a briefing from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi to Sharif about his discussions with the ICC.
The ICC made some concessions on the matter by deciding not to impose any penalty on Bangladesh, which was forced out of the World Cup after refusing to play in India due to security concerns.
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the game against India was in solidarity with Bangladesh after the country was replaced by Scotland on the tournament roster.
