The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Pakistan will take part in all scheduled matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This includes the highly anticipated match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
This announcement, made by the ICC on Monday, comes after days of uncertainty about Pakistan’s participation amid administrative discussions. Fans can now look forward to this major rivalry on a global platform.
ICC highlights unity and commitment to the game
The ICC emphasized its constructive talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), highlighting the responsibility of all member boards to maintain the integrity of ICC events.
“The dialogue between ICC and PCB focused on the importance of constructive engagement, unity, and commitment to the game,” the statement said. It highlighted integrity, neutrality, and cooperation as key principles for a successful tournament.
The ICC confirmed that all member nations need to uphold their commitments, ensuring stability and trust in global cricket administration.
India vs Pakistan match confirmed for February 15
This confirmation paves the way for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, which attracts millions of viewers worldwide. The match will take place in Colombo, a neutral venue, promoting fairness in hosting during the tournament.
This fixture is expected to be a major highlight of the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s situation addressed by ICC and BCB
The ICC also clarified that Bangladesh will not face penalties for missing the T20 World Cup 2026. This clarification followed discussions involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the PCB.
The ICC reiterated its support for cricket in Bangladesh, recognizing it as a key market with over 200 million fans.
Bangladesh to host an ICC event by 2031
In another update, the ICC and BCB announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, pending standard processes and requirements.
This is seen as a positive step, reinforcing the ICC’s inclusive vision for cricket development. It also gives Bangladesh a chance to strengthen its presence on the international stage, despite not participating in the T20 World Cup.
