Chennai, Feb 9 (.) In a sign of good development between India and Pakistan cricketing ties amid the
imbroglio over Pakistan’s refusal to play India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan
Cricket Board (PCB) late on Monday night concluded successful talks; jointly committing to the ongoing
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while confirming the contest to be held as scheduled at Colombo in Sri Lanka
on February 15.
Ending the standoff, the PCB made a U-turn on its boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match
against India with the ICC announcing that Pakistan has given up its move to playing against India.
According to reports, the Pakistan government has cleared the national team to play India in the T20
World Cup, directing it to honour the scheduled match against India.
The reversal came after the ICC flagged to the PCB the possible financial implications in the event of
boycott of the marquee contest that has drawn the worldwide attention.
In a statement, 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.
It said that the PCB has given up its move to playing against India, confirming the likelihood of the India-
Pakistan scheduled as per the itinerary in Colombo on February 15.
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.
. GV 0100