Pakistan have reversed their boycott of the T20 World Cup fixture against India after the ICC agreed to a series of concessions to Bangladesh, clearing the way for the high-profile match in Colombo to go ahead this Sunday, February 15.
The decision comes as a major relief to the sport’s governing body, with the India Pakistan contest a cornerstone of global broadcast and commercial revenue. The match underpins the ICC’s US$3.12 billion Indian television rights deal, which was sold on the expectation the two sides would meet at least once during World Cup cycles.
Pakistan’s government confirmed the U-turn on Monday night local time, stepping back from a boycott that had been imposed after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament. Bangladesh had refused to play matches in India and requested relocation to co-hosts Sri Lanka, a request that was rejected by the ICC.
The situation escalated after Kolkata Knight Riders were instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player signed for the IPL, amid rising political tensions. In response, Bangladesh sought support from Pakistan, prompting talks involving the ICC and both boards in Lahore.
At that meeting, the ICC agreed not to impose any sporting, financial or administrative sanctions on Bangladesh for refusing to play in India. It was also confirmed Bangladesh would host an ICC event before the 50-over World Cup in 2031, which is due to be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period … I request Pakistan to play the game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mohammad Aminul Islam said afterwards.
Barely an hour later the boycott was lifted, with a social media statement from the Pakistan government confirming the team would be directed to play “in view of the outcomes achieved as well as the request of friendly countries”.
Both sides have already opened their campaigns at the tournament, with Pakistan defeating the Netherlands and India beating the United States.