Cricket diplomacy scores a win as Pakistan agrees to face India in the 2026 T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, scrapping earlier boycott threats. This U-turn by the PCB follows crucial ICC interventions, reigniting hopes for an epic Indo-Pak showdown that has defined modern cricket.
Sourav Ganguly, the legendary Indian skipper known as the ‘Tiger of Kolkata,’ lauded the move. Addressing the media, he stated, ‘Pakistan’s choice to play India is spot on. Keep politics out of sports—that’s the way forward.’ Ganguly highlighted India’s superior recent record: ‘These battles are always edge-of-the-seat stuff. Our team is exceptionally strong right now. Pakistan hasn’t matched us in years, so they’ll have to elevate their game significantly.’
Joining the chorus of approval, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla thanked the ICC profusely. ‘Hats off to the ICC for mediating and prioritizing cricket. Convincing Pakistan to play is a masterstroke. This ensures the tournament’s success.’
Background to the drama: Bangladesh’s withdrawal over Indian security fears led to Scotland’s inclusion. Pakistan mirrored the boycott initially. The tide turned with an ICC team’s Lahore discussions at Gaddafi Stadium, agreeing on leniency for Bangladesh and future hosting rights. Pakistan’s government then greenlit the match.
Ganguly’s insights underscore the mismatch in form, yet the rivalry’s allure remains unmatched. Fans can now gear up for what promises to be a pulsating encounter, with India’s prowess setting a high bar for Pakistan.