Pakistan has confirmed it will play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This decision follows discussions between ICC officials and the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, which resolved previous boycott threats. The ICC has also decided to allow Bangladesh to participate freely in the future, even though they opted out of the current tournament, and the BCB will retain hosting rights for ICC events.
During a press conference, Naqvi addressed concerns about possible ICC sanctions if Pakistan maintained its boycott. He mentioned the influence of Asim Munir, the army chief of Pakistan.
“I am not worried about the threats from the ICC and India. You know Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is not afraid,” he stated.
Pakistan’s change in stance was confirmed after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
“Considering the results of multilateral discussions and requests from friendly nations, the Government of Pakistan instructs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to play against India on February 15, 2026,” read a statement on the official X account.
“This decision aims to uphold the spirit of cricket and ensure the continuity of this global sport among all participating nations,” the statement concluded.