Argus News - Pakistan Govt Makes U-Turn: Team To Face India In T20 World Cup On Feb 15

New Delhi, Feb 10: In a dramatic turnaround, the Pakistan government has reversed its earlier decision and permitted their national cricket team to play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15, officials said on Tuesday.

The move comes after strong appeals from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other cricketing nations, asking Pakistan to reconsider its boycott stance.

Background of the Boycott

Earlier this month, Pakistan had announced it would not take the field against India in Colombo, citing solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh had been excluded from the tournament after the ICC rejected its request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka, replacing the team with Scotland.

Diplomatic Pressure

The reversal followed multilateral discussions and direct requests from Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Both nations emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s participation in maintaining the spirit of the tournament.

Also Read: T20 WC: ICC Rejects PCB’s Demands Amid India-Pakistan Standoff

Government Statement

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, after consultations with regional leaders, directed the Pakistan team to honor its fixture against India. The government highlighted its commitment to supporting Bangladesh while also acknowledging the broader responsibility of ensuring the World Cup proceeds smoothly.

Upcoming Matches

The Pakistan team, currently based in Sri Lanka, will face the United States in its second Group A match before the highly anticipated clash against India. The February 15 fixture is expected to draw massive global attention, given the historic rivalry between the two sides.