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At the final moment of uncertainty and possible financial disaster in global cricket, the government of Pakistan has officially instructed its national team to play against India in their forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match on February 15, 2026, in the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This was confirmed only on February 9, 2026, (Monday evening in Pakistan time), after a series of intensive multilateral negotiations between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the co-host Sri Lanka representatives. The Pakistan government made an official announcement: The Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to play on 15 February 2026 in the scheduled match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, considering the results of the multilateral consultations as well as following the request of the friendly countries through the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

This overturns a previous government (under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif) decree that Pakistan would attend the tournament but boycott the high-stakes India match, citing its solidarity with Bangladesh (which had withdrawn over venue shift requests) and geopolitical friction. The first boycott threat had already sounded the alarm of huge losses in revenues (estimated at 250-300 million dollars for the IND-PAK alone because of the broadcast of the games, sponsorship, and advertising rights) and could impose sanctions on the PCB, as well as jeopardize the integrity of the tournament.

ICC responded to the ruling with a statement: "ICC/PCB... dialogue This was one of a series of wider discussions with the two parties who appreciated the need to have positive interactions... Every member will also underwrite his obligations according to the conditions of participation of the ICC events. The game has since been reaffirmed to be played as scheduled, and it ensures the continuity of the tournament, as it is the biggest commercial attraction.

The turnaround happened after desperate diplomacy, a call between PM Sharif and Sri Lanka President Kumara Dissanayake, and pressure by various members of the ICC over the consequences of this move to the world's global ecosystem of cricket. The fans in India, Pakistan, and other parts of the world celebrated on social media, and hashtags such as #IndvsPak and #T20WC2026 were used to celebrate.

The rivalry clash ensures the marquee event match garners more attention for the T20 World Cup, as defending champions India seek to retain their trophy in the co-hosted event (India and Sri Lanka). The match that is bound to be played on February 15 is one of the most awaited matches in the history of cricket.