Pakistan Reverses Boycott, to Face India in T20 World Cup

Pakistan Ends Boycott

India and Pakistan to face off in T20 World Cup match in Sri Lanka after Pakistan reverses boycott decision.

“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries...”

Pakistan's government has reversed its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka on February 15. The government initially directed the team to boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to tour India over safety concerns.

The decision to play the match was made after discussions with the ICC, PCB, and Bangladesh Cricket Board, with the government citing the need to uphold the “Spirit of Cricket” and support the continuity of the global sport. Sri Lanka's president also reportedly requested Pakistan's prime minister to resolve the impasse amicably.

“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 government said in a post on X.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan received support from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations, urging them to resolve the impasse.

In response, Pakistan's government directed its team to play the match, citing the need to uphold the "Spirit of Cricket" and support the continuity of the global sport. The decision followed discussions with the ICC, PCB, and BCB, with Pakistan citing solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to tour India over safety concerns.

Pakistan would've faced severe consequences if they hadn't played the match, forfeiting two points and dealing a huge blow to the tournament. The India-Pakistan clash is a major drawcard, and Pakistan's withdrawal would've been a big loss.

Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav had already confirmed that his team would travel to Colombo as planned, regardless of Pakistan's decision. The match is set to go ahead, with Pakistan's government reversing its initial decision to boycott the game.

India's relationships with Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a hit lately, with tensions spilling over into cricket. The conflict between India and Pakistan escalated in May, marking one of the worst periods in their relationship. Meanwhile, ties with Bangladesh soured after Sheikh Hasina's government was ousted in 2024, leading to her fleeing to India.

ISLAMABAD, February 9, 2026.

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…

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 9, 2026

These tensions led to Bangladesh refusing to play in India for the T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns, and Pakistan's subsequent decision to boycott their match against India on February 15 in Colombo as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh.

India and Pakistan's bilateral cricket series have been on hold for years, but they've managed to play each other at neutral venues during global tournaments. This arrangement has helped keep the rivalry alive, and their upcoming match in Sri Lanka is a big deal.

As the world's top-ranked T20 team, India is gunning for a historic title defense and a first-ever host win. They're looking strong, but Pakistan's a tough opponent, especially in a high-stakes match like this one.