ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has cleared the national cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, officials said on Monday, following consultations involving regional cricket bodies and friendly countries.
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcome of high-level talks involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The statement said the government reviewed formal requests submitted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as messages received from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other member nations seeking a resolution to recent challenges faced by Pakistan in the tournament context.
Officials also noted comments made by Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, which were taken into consideration during the review process.
Separately, the statement said Prime Minister Sharif held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President, during which both leaders discussed the issue and reiterated the long-standing cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, particularly during difficult periods.
Taking these diplomatic exchanges into account, the government directed that Pakistan’s national team proceed with its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026, as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The government said the decision was taken in the interest of upholding the spirit of cricket and promoting the sport, while extending best wishes to the national team ahead of the fixture.
