The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of uncertainty that threatened to derail the tournament’s marquee fixture. Pakistan’s government officially withdrew its proposed boycott after sustained diplomatic and cricketing efforts from the International Cricket Council (ICC), along with strong persuasion from Bangladesh and co-host Sri Lanka.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla welcomed the resolution and praised the ICC for navigating a sensitive impasse involving multiple boards and governments.

“I would like to thank the ICC chairman Jay Shah and the office-bearers for finding a very good solution,” Rajeev Shukla said. He added that, after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and after listening to all stakeholders, the ICC reached a decision that protects the game’s broader interests.

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According to Shukla, ensuring the India–Pakistan fixture goes ahead is “very important for cricket” and a significant step towards making the World Cup a success. The turning point came when BCB president Aminul Islam publicly urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance for the greater good of international cricket.

Around the same time, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally called Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting that the team be allowed to take the field in Colombo. The diplomatic push was complemented by intensive talks among ICC officials, the PCB, and the BCB, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefing Sharif on the outcomes of those discussions.

Pakistan’s initial boycott threat was framed as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament after declining to travel to India over security concerns. The ICC later replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, a move that triggered wider debate across the cricketing world. In an effort to de-escalate tensions, the ICC confirmed it would not impose any financial or administrative penalties on the BCB, a concession that helped ease the standoff.

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With the political and administrative hurdles cleared, the focus now shifts back to cricket. The India vs Pakistan match remains the biggest draw of the T20 World Cup, carrying enormous sporting and commercial significance. For fans, broadcasters and tournament organisers alike, the confirmation ensures the competition retains its most compelling rivalry on the field, where it belongs.