Cricket fans are likely to witness a rare feel-good moment as the long-running India-Pakistan dispute has finally ended and all eyes are now on February 15, when the two arch-rivals will face each other in a group match of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.
India-Pakistan match will mark the end of ICC-PCB tensions
International Cricket Council (ICC) President Jay Shah and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi visited R.K. Colombo in Colombo for the exciting match between India and Pakistan on Sunday. Premadasa is likely to be present at the International Cricket Stadium.
The main agenda behind this reported move is to send a strong message that things have improved between the ICC and PCB and the worst of the dispute is now over. After several days of uncertainty and closed-door discussions, the impasse between the PCB and ICC has been resolved.
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Apart from Shah and Naqvi, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Shammi Silva are also likely to attend the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in Colombo, making the occasion bigger than just a cricket match.
Colombo meeting may indicate the end of differences between ICC-PCB during India-Pakistan match.
“The PCB chairman and ICC chief along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh board presidents are likely to visit Colombo to watch the India-Pakistan match on February 15,” The New Indian Express quoted a source close to the development as saying.
The idea behind this public gathering is to show the world that the ICC, PCB and BCB are united again, and they are ready to move forward, and they can resolve the remaining issues without creating more drama.
The source further added, “The purpose behind the public appearance is to give the impression that the rift within the house is now over. Obviously when they meet, they can discuss anything further that needs to be resolved.”
SLC awaits green signal but opens doors for ICC, PCB and BCB biggies
The SLC has welcomed the prospect of hosting BCB officials as well as the ICC and PCB chiefs. However, they have not received official confirmation yet.
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SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said, “They are welcome whenever they want to come and enjoy the match. It is good for SLC and Sri Lanka as a country. I hope it will not be too late for fans to come to Colombo and watch the match. It will be a big boost to our economy and will also serve the interest of our tourism and hotel industry.”
Earlier this week, the Pakistani government gave formal approval to its team to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match. This came after discussions at various levels and requests from friendly countries to enable the smooth conduct of the T20 World Cup 2026.
On the other hand, the ICC has mentioned that its talks with the PCB were part of a broader effort to keep all members on the same page. The focus is on cooperation, mutual respect and honoring the commitments made to ICC events so that the tournament can continue without any disruption.