After Pakistan’s U-turn on the match with India, ICC issued a statement, saying- ‘It has been agreed that all’

India vs Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2026 is fixed on 15th February, which will be played as per its schedule. The Government of Pakistan had announced boycott of this match. There was already an apprehension that as the date of the match approached, Pakistan would reverse its decision. Same thing happened, Pakistan agreed to play in this match. A statement was issued by ICC on this.

The ICC said in a statement: “The talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board took place as part of a broader engagement. Both recognized the need for good conduct, fairness and cooperation, and said that they are committed to the good interests of the game. It was decided that all member countries will honor their commitments as per the conditions of playing ICC tournaments. All will do their best to ensure that the ongoing editions are successful.”

Contract between BCCI, PCB and ICC

India had decided not to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy (2025), after which Team India’s matches were shifted to UAE. After this, a contract was signed between ICC, BCCI and PCB that both the countries would play in ICC events but at neutral venues. Under this, Pakistan also played its matches in Sri Lanka in the Women’s World Cup last year.

In the ongoing edition of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan is also playing its matches in Sri Lanka. Even if the Pakistan team reaches the finals, the title match will also be held there. Pakistan had no concrete reason to boycott the match against India in Sri Lanka also. For this reason, it was already believed that in the end the PCB would have to bow down.

Where did the controversy start

This controversy started after ICC excluded Bangladesh from T20 World Cup 2026. Actually, Bangladesh Cricket Board, angry with the release of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL, decided that it will demand to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka. Although there was very little time for this, ICC refused but BCB stuck to its point. The result was that ICC excluded Bangladesh and included Scotland in the tournament in their place.