Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as scheduled, ending days of uncertainty surrounding the marquee Group A clash.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) released an official statement on Monday confirming Pakistan’s participation in all their remaining matches, including the highly anticipated showdown against India on 15 February in Colombo.
The announcement follows a series of high-level discussions involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with cricket’s global governing body stressing the need for unity and stability during the tournament.
“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement… recognising the need for constructive dealings,” the ICC said in its statement, adding that all member nations must respect their commitments to ensure the World Cup remains a success.
Government Clears Pakistan to Take the Field
The decision also comes after the Government of Pakistan formally directed the national team to play the fixture, stating that the move was taken to protect the spirit of cricket and the continuity of the sport.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following the ICC delegation’s visit, after which Pakistan confirmed it would take the field against India in Colombo.
The government noted that several cricket boards, along with Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had urged Pakistan to resolve the impasse amicably.
A Match That Defines the Group Stage
Pakistan vs India remains the biggest fixture of the group stage, not only for the two nations but for the tournament as a whole.
The clash had been clouded by political tension in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Pakistan could restrict participation in select matches. However, Monday’s confirmation ensures the contest will go ahead, much to the relief of fans and tournament organisers.
Pakistan have already begun their World Cup campaign on a winning note, securing a three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their opening match.
They will play their next game against the United States on 10 February, also in Colombo, before turning their focus toward the blockbuster encounter with India.
Bangladesh Situation Also Addressed
The ICC statement also touched on Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, confirming that the BCB will not face penalties and will be given opportunities to host future ICC events in the 2028–2031 cycle.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta acknowledged that Bangladesh’s withdrawal was a significant loss for the sport, especially given the country’s massive cricket fanbase.
All Eyes on Colombo, February 15
With the fixture now officially locked in, attention shifts back to cricket — and to what promises to be one of the most watched matches of the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket in over a decade, meeting only in multinational events, making every encounter even more intense.
On February 15, Colombo will once again host a contest that goes beyond points — a rivalry that defines world cricket.
