Pakistan Approves India Match in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan’s government has officially directed the national cricket team to face India in the T20 World Cup on February 15, 2026, in Colombo, ending a contentious week-long standoff. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the match following high-level discussions with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and international cricket leaders.

Diplomatic Pressure Resolves Cricket Impasse

The decision came after diplomatic intervention from neighboring nations, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. These countries formally urged Pakistan to resolve the dispute amicably and participate in the tournament. Bangladesh Cricket Board President Amin ul Islam directly requested that Pakistan avoid a boycott, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in international cricket. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also telephoned Sharif, appealing for a peaceful resolution during their friendly conversation.

Government Confirms Historic Match

The Pakistani government’s official statement confirmed that multilateral discussions and requests from friendly nations influenced the decision. The statement emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to standing “shoulder to shoulder” with Bangladesh and other cricket-playing nations during these challenging times. This approval marks the end of tensions that had threatened to derail the cricket fixture between two rival nations and validates the ICC’s efforts to maintain tournament integrity. The match now proceeds as scheduled, allowing both teams to compete in what is expected to be a significant T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo.