"The reason behind Pakistan's withdrawal of the boycott"

After nearly ten days of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s refusal to play against India, the deadlock has finally been resolved. Pakistan has confirmed it will participate in its scheduled match at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The highly anticipated fixture is set for Sunday, 15 February, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On Monday evening, the Pakistan government and the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued separate statements announcing the decision. Both emphasised that considerations of commercial interests, the welfare of other participating nations, and the continuity of the tournament were central to the decision.

The Pakistan government statement highlighted that several countries, including Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, had urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to withdraw from the match, warning that a boycott could result in financial losses for other nations.

Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke directly with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, reinforcing diplomatic engagement on the matter. The government statement read:

“Following international consultations and requests from friendly nations, the Pakistan government has directed the national team to play on 15 February. The decision has been taken to uphold the spirit of cricket and ensure the continuity of this global sporting event.”

The ICC also confirmed positive progress in discussions with the PCB, noting that all member nations had agreed on the importance of constructive collaboration to ensure the World Cup’s successful execution.

Bangladesh’s Role

Bangladesh played a crucial role in facilitating Pakistan’s reversal. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the PCB to participate in the T20 World Cup match against India, emphasising the broader interests of global cricket.

In a press release issued in Dhaka on 9 February, the BCB expressed gratitude to the PCB, ICC, and all parties involved for their cooperative stance amid recent challenges. The statement particularly praised PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the board, and Pakistani cricket fans for their positive engagement.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said:

“We are deeply grateful for Pakistan’s initiative to assist Bangladesh at this time. We hope this step will strengthen cricketing ties between our countries.”

Following recent discussions and Pakistan’s official visit, the BCB formally requested that the match against India proceed as scheduled on 15 February, highlighting the potential positive impact on the regional cricketing ecosystem. Analysts view this as a key step in fostering stronger cricket relations within South Asia.

This resolution marks a significant moment in regional cricket diplomacy, ensuring the smooth progression of the T20 World Cup while reinforcing cooperative ties among South Asian cricketing nations.