Islamabad — Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after Pakistan confirmed it would play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, withdrawing an earlier decision to boycott the fixture.
The message of appreciation was shared publicly after the Government of Pakistan announced that the national team would take the field against India on February 15. The decision followed multilateral consultations involving cricket boards and diplomatic engagement by several countries, including Sri Lanka.
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According to international media reports, President Dissanayake welcomed Pakistan’s decision and described it as important for the continuity of the tournament and for cricket fans worldwide. The India-Pakistan fixture is regarded as one of the marquee matches of the T20 World Cup.
Background to the decision
Pakistan had earlier instructed its team not to play against India as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh amid concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The stance created uncertainty around the high-profile match and prompted discussions at multiple levels.
Following talks between the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council, and other member boards, the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the outcomes of the consultations. The government subsequently cleared Pakistan’s participation in the match, citing the spirit of cricket and the need to support the continuity of the global sport.
Regional engagement
Officials said Sri Lanka, along with the United Arab Emirates and other cricketing nations, played a role in encouraging dialogue to resolve the issue. Requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and supporting communications from friendly countries were also reviewed before the final decision was taken.
The confirmation has been welcomed by cricketing circles, as it ensures the continuation of one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures and avoids disruption to the World Cup schedule.
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