LAHORE: The Government of Pakistan on Monday directed the Pakistan men’s cricket team to play India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on 15 February. The directive followed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s successful meeting with the International Cricket Board, which was facilitated and moderated by the Pakistan Cricket Board in Lahore on Sunday.

“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB),” the Government of Pakistan said on its X account, adding: “ The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations.

“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.”

On 1 February, the government had announced: “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”

The meeting between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and ICC’s deputy chair Imran Khawaja took place on Sunday afternoon in the presence of PCB Chair and ICC Director Mohsin Naqvi.

The Pakistan government announced its decision after the BCB President Aminul Islam, in a BCB media release, requested Pakistan to play against India “for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system” and the ICC confirmed “no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the BCB” and they will also be awarded an ICC event before the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 20341, which it will co-host with India.

However, the ICC did not say that the Bangladesh Cricket Board will receive their share of revenues from the T20 World Cup.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter. It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact.

“As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements.”

In the subsequent media statement, the ICC said: “The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation.

“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”