The highly anticipated group-stage match between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as scheduled on February 15, following confirmation from both the International Cricket Council and the Government of Pakistan on Monday. The decision brings an end to days of uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.

In a detailed government statement, Pakistan confirmed that it had withdrawn its earlier decision to boycott the match. The announcement followed diplomatic engagement involving regional partners. “This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times,” the statement said.

According to the government, the Sri Lankan President urged Pakistan to resolve the standoff through dialogue. “The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse,” it added. Citing progress made during multilateral discussions and appeals from friendly nations, the statement confirmed a reversal of the boycott. “In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”

The match is set to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, which had been confirmed as the neutral venue for the contest. Pakistan had earlier refused to take the field in protest after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, creating a major disruption to the group stage schedule.

The ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board are understood to have opened formal talks on February 7 regarding the situation. Those discussions followed an appeal from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, which warned of heavy financial losses if the match was cancelled. A high-level meeting in Lahore involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam, and ICC representatives helped break the deadlock.

After the government’s late-night announcement, the ICC confirmed the outcome of its talks with the PCB. “The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” the ICC said. It added that all members agreed to respect their commitments to ensure the success of the tournament.

On the field, both sides have already opened their World Cup campaigns. Pakistan won its first match by three wickets against Netherlands, while India defeated the United States of America by 29 runs on February 7. The focus now shifts firmly back to cricket, with the India–Pakistan clash set to headline the group stage.