New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain praised the Pakistan government for protecting the sanctity of the tournament by withdrawing the decision to boycott Pakistan’s match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Pakistan government made a U-turn on Monday, confirming that it has directed the Salman Ali Agha-led side to take the field in the much-awaited clash against India.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to lock horns at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in a marquee clash on Sunday, February 15. Dark clouds were hovering over the game after the Pakistan government directed the team to boycott the clash earlier this month. The boycott decision was withdrawn following a meeting between ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials in Lahore on Sunday.
“The spirit of cricket has prevailed. By choosing the path of participation, the @GovtOfPakistan has protected the sanctity of the #T20WorldCup and ensured the game’s global stability. Cricket wins, which means it will continue to play its pivotal role of bridging the widest of divides,” Afridi posted on his X account, which is banned in India.
The Pakistan government’s decision to withdraw the boycott came late at night on Monday, following negotiations between the PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC in the meeting in Lahore. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, who was also present in Lahore, was also part of the discussions.
The Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the India fixture came in support of Bangladesh after they were replaced from the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland following their refusal to travel to India, citing security reasons. The end of the boycott on Monday helped the ICC avert losses which could have gone up to nearly USD 200 million.
India and Pakistan set to lock horns on February 15
After the end of the boycott drama by the Pakistan government and the PCB, India and Pakistan will lock horns in one of the most-awaited fixtures of the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15. India have dominated Pakistan when it comes to the head-to-head record between the two teams in the tournament. The Men in Blue have lost only once in eight meetings against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.
India will look to continue their dominant run against the Men in Green when the two sides meet on February 15. Defending champions India began their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 with a win against USA in their opener, while Pakistan defeated Netherlands in a close encounter in their opener.