The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is officially on, following a dramatic U-turn by the Government of Pakistan. Initially, Pakistan had declared a boycott of the marquee fixture, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. This decision was made in solidarity with Bangladesh, which had previously withdrawn from the tournament due to security concerns, leading to their replacement by Scotland without financial penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had publicly affirmed his country’s decision not to play India, protesting ICC’s governance. However, this stance triggered alarm bells within the ICC due to the immense financial and viewership significance of an India-Pakistan encounter. Intense negotiations ensued, involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and appeals from other prominent cricketing nations, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. Both the BCB President and the Sri Lankan President actively requested Pakistan to reconsider.
The turning point came late on Monday (February 9, 2026), when the Government of Pakistan officially announced its reversal. The PCB cited formal requests from friendly nations and “outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions” as influential factors. Reports suggested the PCB also pressed for demands like restoring bilateral cricketing ties with India and a potential tri-series. Despite the controversy, the match will proceed as scheduled in Colombo.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintained that the Indian team would adhere to the ICC’s schedule, traveling to Sri Lanka for the fixture regardless of Pakistan’s decision. This resolution ensures one of cricket’s biggest rivalries will unfold as planned, much to the relief of fans and the global cricketing body, avoiding potential heavy sanctions on Pakistan and preserving the tournament’s integrity.