The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match has finally been given the green signal to take place on the scheduled date, February 15, at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. After weeks of drama, the Pakistan government has finally agreed to play the match against its arch rival. The International Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met on Sunday to discuss the controversy.
The development happened a day after the meeting of PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and ICC in Lahore. The decision was pending after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement and asked its neighbors to withdraw their boycott “for the benefit of cricket”. After all the trouble, Pakistan finally agreed to play the match at midnight on Monday.
India vs Pakistan bilateral series on cards
During Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with ICC vice-chairman Imran Khawaja on Sunday, Naqvi made some demands including resumption of India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket and a tri-series including Bangladesh and India to compensate for BCB’s losses after its surprise exit from the major tournament.
While India-Pakistan bilateral cricket is not under ICC control, the request for a triangular series was also rejected. The Men in Blue have not played a Tri-Nations competition in over a decade.
Pakistan has given green signal to India vs Pakistan
After the meeting was successful, the Government of Pakistan issued a statement saying, “In view of the results achieved in the multilateral discussions as well as the requests of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan directs the Pakistan national cricket team to take the field for its scheduled event in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15, 2026.”
“Furthermore, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting the continuity of this global game in all participating countries.”
ICC issued statement after meeting with PCB
The statement released by the ICC said: “The talks between the ICC and the PCB took place as part of a broader engagement, with both sides recognizing the need for constructive engagement and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation.”
“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will honor their commitments as per the terms of participation in ICC events and will make every possible effort to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”
“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterates its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets with over 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term impact on cricket in the country.”
India vs Pakistan is always at stake
India vs Pakistan has always been a high-stakes match, as it generates double the revenue than any other match in ICC events. It receives much of its revenue from gate sales, broadcast rights and sponsorships.
Both teams have won their first matches against USA and Netherlands respectively. Today Pakistan will face America. The Men in Green will look to take revenge in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they lost in the Super Over.
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