NEW DELHI / ISLAMABAD — The high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is back on track, though not without a looming shadow of protest. Sources reveal that the Pakistan government has tentatively given the “green signal” for the national team to face India in Colombo on February 15.

The decision follows a critical meeting in Islamabad on Monday between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Final Decision Pending: “All Options on the Table”

While sources suggest the team will participate, PCB Chairman Naqvi—who also serves as the country’s Interior Minister—indicated that a formal announcement is reserved for later this week.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister,” Naqvi posted on X. “Briefed him on the ICC matter. He directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. The final decision will be taken by Friday or next Monday.”

The “Bangladesh Factor” and Symbolic Protests

The tension stems from the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament. Bangladesh was removed after refusing to travel to India for their matches, citing security concerns. Pakistan, the only major board to back the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), is reportedly considering symbolic protests to show solidarity.

Reports suggest that while Pakistan will likely play the India match to avoid heavy ICC sanctions, the team may:

• Wear black armbands during the high-profile fixture.

• Issue a formal statement in support of Bangladesh prior to the game.

• Dedicating potential wins to the “deprived” fans of Bangladesh.

Piling Pressure on the ICC

By deferring the final word to the Prime Minister, the PCB is strategically applying pressure on the International Cricket Council. PM Sharif has reportedly directed the PCB to draft a formal letter to the ICC addressing the “unfair treatment” of Bangladesh.

Under the current “Hybrid Model,” Pakistan is scheduled to play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka to avoid traveling to India, similar to the arrangement seen in the 2023 Asia Cup.

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