Pakistan government takes a massive U-turn, clears Feb 15 India clash after ICC-PCB-BCB Talks

The Government of Pakistan has officially cleared the national cricket team to play its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on February 15, marking a dramatic U-turn after days of uncertainty over a potential boycott.

The decision follows high-level tripartite negotiations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC), held in Lahore earlier this week. Senior ICC officials reportedly traveled to Pakistan to engage directly with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with discussions described by sources as “constructive and forward-looking.”

Pakistan had earlier said to boycott the marquee India fixture in protest over what PCB leadership described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh, which had been excluded from the tournament after refusing to play matches in India. Mohsin Naqvi had urged the ICC not to impose sanctions or revenue penalties on the BCB, warning against what he called double standards in global cricket governance.

However, following diplomatic engagement and ICC assurances, Pakistan’s government approved full participation, including the high-profile India clash — a fixture considered financially and competitively vital for the tournament.

In a notable development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement within 24 hours of the Lahore meetings, thanking the PCB for its support and formally urging Pakistan to honor the India match in the spirit of cricket and regional stability.

BCB officials emphasized that preserving the tournament’s integrity and maintaining cricketing ties should outweigh political tensions. The ICC had reportedly been preparing for major financial fallout if the India-Pakistan match were canceled, given the fixture’s massive broadcast and sponsorship value. Sources say the ICC also explored potential sanctions and revenue deductions if Pakistan proceeded with a boycott.

With Pakistan’s clearance confirmed, the India-Pakistan showdown on February 15 in Colombo is now back on track — restoring the tournament’s most anticipated contest and easing tensions among stakeholders.

Cricket analysts view the episode as a rare example of diplomatic negotiation shaping international sport, underscoring the ICC’s balancing act between politics, finance, and cricket diplomacy.