Pakistan have ended a proposed boycott for their T20 World Cup match against India and will play as scheduled this Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Bangladesh were removed from this year’s T20 World Cup after their refusal to tour India due to political tensions and security concerns, with Scotland added as their last-minute replacements.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi warned last month that their national side could also pull out completely from the tournament, with the Pakistan government initially directing the team to play but boycott their February 15 match against India.
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Bangladesh urged Pakistan to end their proposed boycott ‘the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem’, with Pakistan’s government confirming on Monday that they have reversed the decision and want the match to go ahead.
In a statement, the Pakistan government said: “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.
“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 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.”
Game going ahead to ‘ensure World Cup is a success’
Pakistan would have forfeited the points from their group stage match against India, should it not have gone ahead. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had already confirmed his side would travel to Colombo, regardless of the initial boycott plan.
The decision to initially boycott was made to “support” Bangladesh, although the change in approach follows meetings between, the ICC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and PCB in recent days.
Prior to Pakistan confirming they would play the game, BCB president Md Aminul Islam said: “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system.”
The Pakistan government statement added: “The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.”
Geopolitical tensions mean India’s matches against Pakistan are played on neutral ground, while a contest not going ahead could threaten future revenue and money distributed to other ICC nations.
The ICC said: “It was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”
What happens next for Bangladesh?
The ICC said they would not impose any sporting, financial or administrative penalty on Bangladesh for their refusal to play in India. They also announced that Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to the 50-over World Cup of 2031, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
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ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said: “Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.
“Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.
“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”
Watch every match of the Men’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports until March 8. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.
