Goverment of Pakistan Directs National Team to Play World Cup Match Against India
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Monday instructed the national men’s cricket team to participate in their T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, set for February 15 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Officials said the decision followed extensive consideration of multiple factors, including recent consultations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Appeals from several cricketing nations were also reviewed, along with a phone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who encouraged a cooperative resolution to the ongoing situation.
In an official statement, the government confirmed that Prime Minister Sharif had been formally updated by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcomes of high-level discussions with the ICC and BCB leadership.
The statement added that Pakistan examined formal representations made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, supported by messages from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other ICC member countries. These communications called on Pakistan to play a constructive role in addressing recent challenges affecting the tournament.
The government also acknowledged remarks by BCB President Amin ul Islam, noting that Bangladesh’s appreciation was warmly received and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to standing alongside its regional partners.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Sharif spoke by phone with President Dissanayake. During what was described as a cordial exchange, both leaders reflected on the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, particularly their mutual support during difficult periods. The Sri Lankan president urged Pakistan to give thoughtful consideration to resolving the impasse in a spirit of cooperation.
Taking into account progress made through multilateral engagement and the requests of friendly nations, the government announced its directive for the Pakistan national team to compete in the scheduled World Cup match on February 15, 2026.
The statement emphasized that the move was intended to uphold the values of sportsmanship and ensure the smooth continuation of international cricket across all participating countries.
Concluding the announcement, the prime minister and the people of Pakistan conveyed their best wishes to the “Men in Green,” expressing confidence that the team would represent the nation with pride, professionalism, and respect for the spirit of the game as they pursue success on the world stage.
