Pakistan agrees to play India in T20 World Cup after ICC accepts Pakistan demands

Pakistan will take the field against India on February 15 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following a formal directive from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The decision comes following a briefing by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcomes of high-level discussions held between the PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

The prime minister said the decision aims to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuity of the sport across all participating nations.

He also extended best wishes to the “Men in Green,” expressing confidence that the team would carry national pride onto the field.

The government’s decision followed formal requests from Bangladesh and supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations seeking Pakistan’s leadership in resolving the fixture impasse.

Read More: PCB chief says ICC-Bangladesh talks ongoing, Pakistan to respond after official word

The prime minister also held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which both leaders reaffirmed the close sporting ties between their countries.

ICC accepts Pakistan demands

The announcement comes after ICC, PCB, and BCB concluded constructive discussions during the past 24 hours, according to an ICC press release

During those talks, the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh would face no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties over its absence from the T20 World Cup and reaffirmed its status as a Full Member.

Bangladesh also retains the right to approach the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee and will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.

Officials said the multilateral understanding helped ease concerns and paved the way for Pakistan’s participation in the high-profile match against India.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta had previously described Bangladesh’s absence as “regrettable” but stressed it would not affect the ICC’s long-term commitment to the country or the region.

BCB, SLC request Pakistan to play India match

Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have requested Pakistan to play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India, underscoring the broader interests of international cricket and regional cooperation.

According to the BCB statement, the board expressed gratitude to the PCB, the ICC and all stakeholders for their role in addressing recent challenges.

The BCB also thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the board and Pakistani cricket fans for what it termed exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity.

Following his recent visit to Pakistan, BCB President Md Aminul Islam formally requested Pakistan to play the T20 World Cup fixture against India on February 15, stating that the match would be “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem”.

Read More: PCB chief says ICC-Bangladesh talks ongoing, Pakistan to respond after official word

Separately, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe raised the issue during a conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, suggesting that the Pakistan-India match be played in Sri Lanka, according to Prime Minister’s Office.

Recalling Pakistan’s support for Sri Lankan cricket during periods of terrorism, the Sri Lankan president said Pakistan prioritised its long-standing relations with Sri Lanka above all else and continued to tour the island nation despite security challenges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the sentiments, saying Sri Lanka had also stood by Pakistan in difficult times, allowing cricket to continue in the country.

“Recently, the Sri Lankan team took an unforgettable step for the Pakistani nation and cricket fans by not cancelling the tour of Pakistan,” the prime minister said.

PM Shehbaz told the Sri Lankan president that Pakistan would convey its final decision regarding the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match after consultations.