Pakistan Withdraw Boycott Threat, Confirm February 15 T20 World Cup Clash vs India in Colombo
Published: February 2026
Pakistan will take the field against India at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup after withdrawing their earlier decision to boycott the high-profile group-stage clash.
Pakistan have officially withdrawn their decision to boycott their 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup group fixture against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The development was confirmed late Monday night after the Government of Pakistan issued a statement on social media approving the team’s participation.
Pakistan government confirms decision
In a statement posted on X, the Pakistan government said the decision was taken “in view of the outcomes achieved as well as the request of friendly countries.” The statement also confirmed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been briefed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi following extensive discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
“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 added that the decision was made to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuity of the global game.
ICC, Sri Lanka and UAE play key roles
The statement confirmed that several ICC member nations, including Sri Lanka and the UAE, had urged Pakistan not to boycott the India fixture, citing the severe financial impact such a move would have on other cricket boards. It also confirmed diplomatic engagement between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lanka President Kumara Dissanayake.
ICC welcomes outcome of talks
The ICC described the discussions with the PCB as “successful,” emphasizing unity and cooperation among member nations.
“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.”
Bangladesh issue central to negotiations
While neither the ICC nor the Pakistan government mentioned revenue-sharing discussions, sources indicate the PCB had raised concerns about a more equitable ICC revenue model. The most significant outcome of the talks appears to be the ICC’s decision not to penalise Bangladesh for their non-participation in the T20 World Cup after refusing to play in India.
Bangladesh were also granted hosting rights for an additional ICC tournament in the 2028–2031 cycle, prompting the BCB to publicly thank the PCB and request Pakistan to play the India fixture.
Intense negotiations lead to resolution
The past few days saw intense negotiations involving the PCB, BCB and ICC. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier accused the ICC of “double standards” over Bangladesh’s exclusion and linked Pakistan’s participation against India to fair treatment for Bangladesh.
Following diplomatic engagement in Lahore and coordinated discussions with ICC officials, Pakistan ultimately agreed to withdraw their boycott threat, ensuring the most financially lucrative match of the tournament will go ahead as scheduled.