Pakistan to Play Scheduled T20 World Cup Match Against India

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 | Web Desk

In a significant development for international cricket, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted formal permission for the Pakistan national cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup on February 15.

The decision follows detailed consultations by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with the government. According to media reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the negotiations and their outcomes between the PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

A Government of Pakistan press release outlined that the decision was taken after reviewing several factors:

• Official Requests: The government considered formal requests sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to the PCB.
• Regional Support: Messages received from member countries, including Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, urging Pakistan to help resolve the recent challenges were also evaluated. These communications requested Pakistan to play a role in finding a solution.
• BCB President’s Statement: The government noted the statement by BCB President Aminul Islam. Pakistan warmly accepted Bangladesh’s expression of gratitude and reiterated its commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the fellow nation.
• Diplomatic Outreach: The Prime Minister held a telephonic conversation with the President of Sri Lanka. During the friendly discussion, both leaders recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always stood by each other in difficult times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister’s serious consideration for an amicable resolution of the matter.

This coordinated diplomatic and sporting outreach appears to have played a pivotal role in the final decision, allowing the high-profile World Cup fixture to proceed as planned.