Islamabad/Dhaka, February 9 The India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup will proceed as scheduled after the Pakistani government decided to withdraw its call for a boycott, following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, thus ending an impasse that had cast a shadow on the ongoing tournament.
The match against India is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
"In light of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request from 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 Pakistani government stated in a press release.
It was clear that the country would withdraw the call after the Bangladesh Cricket Board chief, Aminul Islam, issued a statement urging Pakistan to take the field for the greater good of the game.
"...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 from the Pakistani government added.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged him to withdraw the boycott call.
"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to give serious consideration to amicably resolving the current impasse."