Cricket’s biggest rivalry is back on track for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with India and Pakistan set to lock horns on February 15 in Colombo. Diplomatic cricket maneuvering by the ICC, PCB, and BCB has quashed Pakistan’s boycott plans, ensuring the fixture’s place in the schedule.
BCCI’s Rajiv Shukla, Vice President, welcomed the development enthusiastically to the press. ‘Overjoyed at the fruitful negotiations sparked by ICC reps,’ he remarked. ‘Guided by the ICC Chairman during Lahore meets with PCB and BCB, this amicable fix underscores cricket’s supremacy.’
‘Warmest felicitations to ICC for this resolution and refocusing on the sport,’ Shukla continued. ‘A stellar feat. Appreciative of their initiative in seating Pakistan at the table, resulting in the Colombo commitment. The 2026 edition promises glory.’
Shukla called it ideal for all stakeholders. Bangladesh’s security grievances regarding India were acknowledged, with no backlash and a confirmed ICC tournament host role before 2031, eliciting their approval.
Context: Bangladesh withdrew from the World Cup over safety concerns in India; ICC tapped Scotland as substitute. Pakistan protested by boycotting India. Breakthrough occurred Sunday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, as ICC delegates engaged PCB’s Mohsin Naqvi and BCB’s Aminul Islam. Pledges of BCB clemency and future hosting swayed Pakistan’s government to drop the veto.
This accord revives fan fervor, highlighting the ICC’s prowess in navigating geopolitical cricket tensions for the game’s greater good.