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Pakistan U-Turn: Team Cleared for High-Stakes India T20 World Cup Clash

The Pakistan government has reversed its earlier decision and will now allow its men's cricket team to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15. The U-turn came after the ICC took a hardline stance against the boycott threat and following formal requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Sri Lanka government. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif gave the green light after a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who requested Pakistan resolve the impasse. The government stated it made the decision in view of multilateral discussions and the requests from friendly countries.

Key Points: Pakistan Allows Cricket Team to Play India in T20 World Cup

  • Govt reverses boycott stance
  • Decision follows requests from Bangladesh & Sri Lanka
  • ICC took hardline on boycott threat
  • Match scheduled for February 15
3 min read

T20 WC: Pakistan Govt makes U-turn, allows team to play India match on February 15

Pakistan govt reverses boycott decision, permits team to face India on Feb 15 after requests from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. ICC stand-off resolved.

"Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh. - Pakistan Government Statement"

Islamabad, Feb 10

The Pakistan Government has made a U-turn on its earlier stance and has now allowed the men's cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on February 15.

The Pakistan government has earlier asked the team not to take the field for the clash against archrivals India to show support to Bangladesh, which was thrown out of the ICC T20 World Cup and replaced by Scotland after its demand for relocating its matches from India to Sri Lanka was rejected by the ICC.

But with the ICC taking a hardline stance on Pakistan's threat to boycott the India match and with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)_ and the Sri Lanka government requesting Pakistan to reconsider its decision, Prime Minister Shasbaz Sharif has given the green light to the Pakistan men's team to play the match.

The Pakistan government said it has permitted its team to play the February 15 match because of requests from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan's leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges," the Pakistan Government said.

"The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Aminul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation was received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.

"This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lanka President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolving the current impasse.

"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussion, 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," said a statement issued by the Pakistan Government on Monday night.

The stand-off between ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board started on February 1 when Pakistan's premier Shahbaz Sharif cleared the team to feature in the World Cup but barred them from taking the field in Colombo against India.

Pakistan's boycott came in the aftermath of a stand-off between the ICC and Bangladesh, which started last month. The ICC rejected Bangladesh's demands to relocate their matches from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka over security fears, replacing them with Scotland.

The Pakistan team is currently in Sri Lanka and will play its second Group A game against the United States on Tuesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an expat following from Canada, this whole saga was unnecessary. The initial boycott threat felt like political posturing. Glad Bangladesh and Sri Lanka stepped in to request a resolution. The focus should be on the sport.
V
Vikram M
The U-turn shows how weak the original stance was. You can't use cricket as a bargaining chip with the ICC. India will be ready for the match, regardless. Hope it's a cracker of a game!
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, I think the PCB and their government put their players in a very awkward position. The team must have been training with this uncertainty hanging over them. Not fair on the athletes at all.
K
Karthik V
Good move by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to mediate. In the subcontinent, we share a deep love for cricket. These matches are more than just games; they're about passion and shared history. Let the best team win!
M
Michael C
The diplomatic language in the official statement is quite something. "Shoulder to shoulder", "brotherly nation", "warm and friendly conversation". At the end of the day, fans just want to see Babar Azam face Bumrah!

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