Reports: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan clash to go ahead as planned on February 15

The India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 is reportedly set to go ahead as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, according to sources. The development brings an end to days of questions after Pakistan had earlier threatened to boycott the marquee Group A fixture following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. The confirmation comes after negotiations involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, Bangladesh Cricket Board, and the International Cricket Council.

The controversy triggered after Bangladesh were replaced from the T20 World Cup for refusing to travel to India for their matches. Pakistan emerged as the only Full Member nation to oppose the decision, with the Pakistan government subsequently denying permission for its national team to face India as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally conveyed the government’s stance to the ICC, triggering emergency talks in Lahore on Sunday.

A five-hour-long meeting was attended by Naqvi, ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, and BCB president Aminul Islam, who travelled to Pakistan to be part of the discussions. During the meeting, the PCB placed multiple demands before the ICC, including the resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket, a tri-series involving Bangladesh, and compensatory global events for Bangladesh. The ICC rejected three of the five demands, reiterating that bilateral and trilateral series fall outside its jurisdiction.

Despite initial indications that a final call would be delayed, reports suggest Pakistan is now set to take the field against India on February 15 after receiving assurances from the ICC. Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi also hinted at “good news” while attending the Multan Sultans auction.

BCB thanks PCB, ICC and stakeholders for their efforts to resolve the impasse

The financial implications of a Pakistan withdrawal played a crucial role in the turnaround. The India-Pakistan clash is the most lucrative fixture in cricket, generating close to INR 2,200 crore in revenue. A no-show would have resulted in massive losses for the ICC, host broadcasters, and Sri Lanka Cricket, which had officially warned the PCB of severe financial and reputational damage if the match did not take place. India has maintained that it would follow ICC protocol. The Indian team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled, prepare normally, and wait for the match referee’s decision on match day if required.

On Monday evening, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a press release thanking the PCB, ICC, and all stakeholders for their efforts to resolve the impasse. The BCB expressed special appreciation for PCB chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his board, and Pakistani fans for demonstrating “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity.”

BCB president Md Aminul Islam stated that he was deeply moved by Pakistan’s support and requested Pakistan to go ahead with the February 15 match against India “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.