Pakistan is all set to lock horns with India cricket team on February 15, as per the original schedule, after discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board, Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC concluded. The breakthrough came after the ICC engaged in a dialogue with the full-member nations as Pakistan threatened to boycott the IND vs PAK clash in the T20 World Cup 2026. As per ICC’s statement, no sanction will be imposed on Bangladesh for pulling out of the World Cup, adding that their absence was regrettable.
Pakistan to play India on February 15
Following the meeting with ICC, the Government of Pakistan has directed its players to take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo. Taking to social media platform X, the Government of Pakistan said that the country’s PM Shehbaz Sharif had been briefed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcome of the high-level meeting with the ICC, following which the directive to the team was issued. It took letters from Sri Lanka Cricket, United Emirates Cricket Board and multiple ICC meetings for Pakistan to finally agree not not boycot the clash against India.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan 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,” the social media post of Government of Pakistan read.
No sanctions on Bangladesh: ICC
In a statement, the ICC informed that no sanctions would be imposed on ‘full-member nation’ Bangladesh over their unwillingness to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 which ultimately resulted in them being replaced by Scotland in the marquee tournament. Bangladesh Cricket Boad (BCB) has also been given the liberty to approach ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) over the matter.
“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,” the ICC’s statement read.
ICC event for Bangladesh before 2031
“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. This reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country,” the statement added.
Cricket
ICC concedes to PCB-BCB alliance as Bangladesh get away without sanctions to salvage IND vs PAK match
