Pakistan has officially reversed its earlier decision to boycott the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming that the marquee fixture will go ahead as scheduled on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the U-turn late Sunday following productive discussions mediated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and diplomatic interventions at the highest level. Sources indicate that a telephone conversation between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake played a pivotal role, alongside assurances from the ICC regarding security and logistical arrangements.
The dramatic reversal ends a tense fortnight that began on February 1, when the PCB cited security concerns and geopolitical considerations in announcing it would not field its team against India in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. That initial stance had raised the prospect of sanctions from the ICC and threatened to deprive fans of one of world cricket’s most-watched rivalries.
The match, part of the Super 8 stage, is expected to draw massive global viewership. The India-Pakistan rivalry has produced some of T20 cricket’s most memorable moments, with the two sides meeting 12 times in T20 World Cups prior to this edition. India holds an 8-3 advantage in those encounters, with one tie.
The T20 World Cup 2026, running from February 15 to March 8, features 16 teams across venues in India and Sri Lanka. The India-Pakistan clash remains the tournament’s centrepiece, transcending sport and uniting millions across borders in shared passion.
