New Delhi, February 8: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to reconsider its earlier decision to boycott the proposed match against India on February 15 during the T20 World Cup 2026. This decision comes after the PCB initially announced that they would not participate in the match, citing support for Bangladesh as a reason. However, recent developments indicate that Pakistan might play against India after all.
Ongoing discussions are taking place to finalize the India-Pakistan match. Sources within the PCB have revealed that there is a 99 percent likelihood that the match will occur on February 15.
Previously, the PCB had stated that they would not play the match scheduled in Colombo. The Pakistani government had allowed the team to participate in the World Cup only if they firmly supported Bangladesh.
In response to Pakistan’s announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a stern statement urging the PCB to find a mutually agreeable solution. The ICC warned that selective participation undermines the principles of global competition.
The ICC stated, “While we await official information from the PCB, it is challenging to reconcile this situation of selective participation with the fundamental basis of a global sporting event, where all participating teams are expected to compete on equal terms according to the event schedule.”
The governing body expressed hope that the PCB would consider the long-term impact of its decisions on cricket in the country, as it could affect the global cricket ecosystem of which it is a member and beneficiary.
In the World Cup, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. All of Pakistan’s matches will take place in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India.