Pakistan Signals U‑Turn on Boycott; Ready to Play India After ICC Pressure

Pakistan signals willingness to play India in T20 World Cup 2026 after ICC and allied boards pressure. PCB requests 24 hours to confirm, averting potential boycott of the marquee match

India|09 February ,2026: In a major development surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan appears to be moving away from its earlier threat to boycott the high‑profile India vs Pakistan fixture, amid mounting pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other cricket boards. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is understood to have sought 24 hours to report back to the ICC on its final position, suggesting a potential reversal of its earlier stance and a willingness to take the field against India.

Pakistan’s initial position had been to boycott the scheduled Group A clash against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo as a protest related to the removal of another team from the tournament a decision that had drawn criticism and uncertainty across the cricketing world. However, after private discussions with ICC officials and pressure from allied cricket boards, the PCB has indicated it may reconsider the boycott call if a mutually acceptable explanation is provided within the requested timeframe.

The controversy stems from a broader dispute triggered by political and security concerns that led to the exclusion of a team from the tournament earlier this year. Pakistan’s government reportedly instructed its cricket board not to play India in Colombo, a move framed as solidarity with its neighbours. World cricket administrators have since stressed the importance of upholding sporting integrity and ensuring that all qualified teams participate in scheduled fixtures to preserve the credibility and commercial value of the World Cup.

The ICC has reportedly requested a detailed explanation from Pakistan, highlighting that selective participation in a global sporting event is difficult to reconcile with the spirit of international competition. Officials noted that forfeiting the match could have significant sporting and financial consequences, including the loss of points and damage to Pakistan’s net run rate in the tournament standings.

While the PCB weighs its next steps, cricket boards worldwide including those of Sri Lanka and other host nations have urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance, warning that withdrawing from a marquee fixture could impact not just tournament revenues but also the long‑term health of international cricket relations.

India’s team management has confirmed that the squad is preparing to travel to Colombo for the scheduled match date, with all logistical and security arrangements in place. The atmosphere around the fixture remains tense yet hopeful, as fans and administrators alike await Pakistan’s formal confirmation.

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