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The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match finally gets the green light to happen on the scheduled date, 15th February at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo. After weeks of drama Pakistan government has finally agreed to play the match against their arch-rivals. The International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met on Sunday to discuss the row.
The development occurred the day after the PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the ICC met in Lahore. The decision was pending after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam released a statement and asked their neighbours to withdraw their boycott "for the benefit of cricket." After the whole fiasco, Pakistan finally agreed to play the match at midnight on Monday.
India vs Pakistan bilateral series on cards
During Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja on Sunday, Naqvi made a few demands, including the resumption of India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket and a tri-series including Bangladesh and India, to offset the BCB's losses following their surprising elimination from the major tournament.
While India-Pak bilateral cricket is not under the ICC's control, the request for a tri-series was also denied. The Men in Blue have not played a tri-nation event for more than a decade.
Pakistan gives green light to India vs Pakistan
After the meeting was successful Pakistan government released a statement stating, "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 supporting the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations."
ICC release statement after meeting with PCB
The statement released by 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."
"With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country."
India vs Pakistan is always high stakes
India vs Pakistan has always been a high-stakes match, as it generates double the revenue of any other match in the ICC events. It gains a lot of revenue from gate sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships.
Both teams have won their first matches against the USA and the Netherlands, respectively. Pakistan will be up against the USA today. The Men in Green will try to take their revenge in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they lost in a super over.
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