New Delhi: Pakistan are preparing as usual in Colombo amid uncertainty surrounding their marquee clash against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. India and Pakistan are scheduled to lock horns in the group stage of the tournament on Sunday, February 15. However, there are doubts over the game after Pakistan announced a boycott of the high-profile clash.
Despite negotiations between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), no final decision has been made yet on whether Pakistan will take the field against India in the much-awaited game on Sunday. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly set to hold talks with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on Monday after a meeting with ICC officials in Lahore on Sunday.
Amid the ongoing talks between ICC and PCB, Pakistan players are not easing off in their preparations and are practising for every scenario, keeping the broader picture in mind. Ahead of their second group-stage match against USA in Colombo on Tuesday, Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza opened up on the team’s preparations and said they are ready to face India, but the final decision lies with the government.
“We are preparing for the entire World Cup. We will play according to the team we have to face. It will be the decision of the government, and we will do whatever we are told,” said the pacer, who replaced Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s playing XI in their opener against Netherlands last week.
“We are focused on the next match and are taking it one game at a time, whichever is coming up. As for the match on the 15th, that is the decision of the government. Whatever they decide, we will play accordingly,” he added.
Pakistan likely to make a U-turn on boycott call
A U-turn from Pakistan is on the cards following a marathon meeting between PCB and ICC officials in Lahore on Sunday. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was part of the meeting where deputy chairman Imran Khawaja represented the ICC. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul was also part of the discussions.
During the meeting, PCB made a few demands from the ICC, some of which were accepted by the governing body, while many were rejected. PCB officials were also made aware of the consequences that Pakistan cricket could face due to the boycott. The meeting was conducted by the ICC to find an amicable solution to the matter.
As per reports, Pakistan have softened their stance on the boycott, and PCB chief Naqvi is set to hold a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he will try to convince him to withdraw the boycott decision. It remains to be seen if the marquee clash between India and Pakistan will go ahead as per schedule on February 15.