Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan late Monday agreed to play the February 15 T20 World Cup tie against India in Colombo, reversing its decision to boycott the game after days of hectic parleys with the ICC also involving Bangladesh board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam Bulbul.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“In view of outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as request of friendly countries, govt of Pakistan hereby directs Pakistan national team to take the field against India,” PM Shehbaz Sharif posted on X.Earlier, BCB requested PCB to play “for benefit of entire cricket ecosystem”. In turn, ICC said BCB won’t face sanctions for not playing T20 World Cup matches in India.
The ICC also mentioned that BCB will get hosting rights for an ICC event in 2028-31. “The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport,” the ICC statement read.Meanwhile, Pakistan, in their statement, said, “The government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the BCB, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the UAE and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges. The government further noted the statement by BCB president, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.
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“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the government of Pakistan hereby directs the team to take the field on Feb 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the World Cup,” the PCB said.It also added, “The prime minister held a telephone call with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, president of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan president requested the prime minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.”Bangladesh were ousted from the tournament for refusing to play in India citing security concerns. Naqvi also brushed aside suggestions that PCB is under pressure due to ICC’s warning of action. “You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. We are not worried about any sanctions,” he said.A Bangladesh board statement Monday said, “BCB extends its sincere appreciation to the PCB, the ICC and all involved for their positive roles in trying to overcome recent challenges.”“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh. Long may our brotherhood flourish. Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the game on Feb 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Islam said.The ICC statement said, “It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on BCB in relation to the current matter.”
