The Government of Pakistan has granted permission to the national cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to an official statement, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the outcomes of high-level negotiations held among representatives of the PCB, ICC, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The statement said that the Government of Pakistan also reviewed the formal requests submitted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to the PCB, along with messages received from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member countries. These communications requested Pakistan to play a constructive role in addressing the challenges currently being faced.
It was further stated that the government took note of remarks made by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam and warmly acknowledged the expression of gratitude from the brotherly country Bangladesh, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a telephone conversation with the Sri Lankan president earlier today. During the cordial discussion, both leaders recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have consistently supported each other, particularly during difficult times. The Sri Lankan president requested serious consideration for amicably resolving the matter.
Taking into account the requests of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan directed that the national cricket team participate in its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match on 15 February 2026.
The government stated that the decision was made to uphold the spirit of cricket and promote the game while extending best wishes to the Green Shirts on behalf of the Prime Minister and the nation.
