Cricket diplomacy scores a win as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reverses course, permitting his nation’s team to lock horns with India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hailed the move on social media, praising Sharif for safeguarding a fan-favorite rivalry set for Colombo on February 15, 2026.
The turnaround followed intense pressure from the ICC and appeals by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Earlier, Pakistan toyed with skipping the game to back Bangladesh, expelled from the tournament over scheduling disputes—specifically, their failed bid to relocate matches to Sri Lanka due to security issues.
Dissanayake’s X post captured the excitement: ‘Grateful to PM Sharif for making sure our beloved game goes on. Thrilled that the India-Pakistan blockbuster in Colombo will happen on schedule as part of the T20 World Cup.’ As co-host, he also commended the ICC’s role and evoked memories of the 1996 World Cup, where India and Pakistan stepped up in Colombo when others balked at risks.
Pakistan’s official nod came via a government statement emphasizing friendly overtures. The team, already in Sri Lanka, faces the USA next in Group A, building momentum ahead of the India showdown.
This decision averts a potential crisis for the ICC event co-hosted by Sri Lanka and others, promising packed stands and global viewership. It reaffirms cricket’s enduring appeal in South Asia, where India-Pakistan encounters transcend sport, fueling national pride and unforgettable drama on the field.