In a breakthrough for international cricket, the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match at the 2026 T20 World Cup is locked in for February 15. Weeks of uncertainty ended following a crucial tripartite meeting between PCB, BCB, and ICC, dissolving all disputes. Pakistan has officially backed off from boycotting the fixture, paving the way for uninterrupted competition.
Reacting warmly, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla praised the collaborative effort. ‘The ICC deserves immense credit for facilitating this consensus-driven resolution,’ he told the media. ‘Their representatives, led by the Chairman, traveled to Lahore for direct discussions with PCB and BCB, placing cricket’s global appeal front and center.’
‘Heartiest congratulations to the ICC for resolving this and putting cricket first,’ Shukla added. ‘It’s a huge accomplishment. Grateful for persuading Pakistan to engage, leading to their commitment to play India in Colombo. The 2026 T20 World Cup is set for triumph.’
Shukla described it as a balanced outcome benefiting everyone. Bangladesh received empathy for their security worries, no punitive actions, and a nod to host an ICC event ahead of 2031, boosting their morale.
Flashback to the crisis: Bangladesh pulled out of the World Cup over India-related security issues, replaced by Scotland by ICC fiat. Pakistan followed suit in protest. The turning point came Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, where ICC envoys met PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and BCB’s Aminul Islam. Agreements on leniency for BCB and future hosting convinced Pakistan’s government to lift the boycott.
This resolution not only salvages a marquee matchup but reinforces the ICC’s role as a unifying force in world cricket.