KEY POINTS
- Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake personally intervened, asking PM Shehbaz Sharif to reconsider a boycott of the high-stakes India match.
- Appeal emphasised the deep, reciprocal cricketing solidarity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka during past security crises.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif, convinced by argument for longstanding friendship, approved the match, allowing the World Cup schedule to stand.
- This diplomatic resolution ensures the blockbuster Pakistan-India T20 World Cup clash will proceed as scheduled on February 15.
ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic and sporting development, the much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is confirmed to proceed as scheduled on February 15.
The match was finalised following a high-level intervention by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Presidential Appeal Reverses Boycott Threat
According to details released by the Prime Minister’s Office, President Dissanayake made a direct appeal to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a telephone conversation. The Sri Lankan leader requested that Pakistan reconsider a potential boycott of the high-voltage match at the 20-team mega event.
President Dissanayake underscored the deep-rooted cricketing relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, specifically highlighting the mutual support extended during each other’s difficult times.
He recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support for Sri Lankan cricket during periods of terrorism within the island nation. “The Pakistani cricket team continued its tours to play cricket in Sri Lanka despite terrorism,” the President stated, according to the official readout.
PM Shehbaz green-lights historic fixture
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the sentiments expressed by his Sri Lankan counterpart. Acknowledging the reciprocal support, PM Sharif noted, “Sri Lanka also gave full support during difficult periods in Pakistan and kept cricket going in Pakistan.”
He specifically highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent commitment by not cancelling a tour to Pakistan as “an unforgettable act for the Pakistani nation and cricket fans.”
Convinced by the appeal that emphasised longstanding solidarity over sporting boycotts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the green signal to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Prime Minister informed President Dissanayake that he would communicate the final decision after consultations regarding the T20 World Cup’s Pakistan-India match, which has now been confirmed.
The decision ensures that the blockbuster Group B fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as planned, much to the relief of cricket fans worldwide and tournament organisers.
Earlier on Sunday, a high-level delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded a critical meeting in Pakistan, aimed at resolving outstanding issues with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the T20 World Cup schedule.
The ICC group, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, and BCB President Aminul Islam held extensive discussions that lasted over five hours. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acted as a neutral facilitator for the talks between the global governing body and its Bangladeshi counterpart.
Positive progress reported from marathon session
The negotiations were focused on finding a middle ground acceptable to all sides. The ICC responded constructively to the specific concerns raised by Bangladesh officials. A preliminary framework was developed during the meeting to formally address the BCB’s grievances.
Following the lengthy dialogue, the delegations departed to seek final endorsements for the proposed solutions. ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja left to present the recommendations to the ICC’s executive board for official ratification. Simultaneously, BCB President Aminul Islam returned to Dhaka to brief the Bangladeshi government on the outcomes of the discussions.
