The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put speculation to rest by officially confirming Pakistan’s participation in all its scheduled matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This includes the much-anticipated encounter against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The announcement, released by the ICC on Monday, comes after days of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement amid ongoing administrative discussions. With this confirmation, fans worldwide can now look forward to one of cricket’s most intense rivalries unfolding on the global stage.
ICC emphasizes unity, neutrality and commitment to the game
In its official statement, the ICC highlighted the constructive dialogue held with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), underlining the shared responsibility of all member boards to uphold the integrity of ICC events.
“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in serving the best interests of the game,” the statement noted. It further stressed values such as integrity, neutrality, and cooperation as essential pillars in ensuring the success of the ongoing tournament.
The ICC reaffirmed that all member nations are expected to respect their commitments under the agreed participation terms, reinforcing stability and trust in global cricket administration.
High-profile India vs Pakistan match set for February 15
The confirmation clears the path for the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, one of the most-watched fixtures in world cricket. The match will be played in Colombo, a neutral venue, aligning with the ICC’s effort to maintain balance and fairness in hosting arrangements during the tournament.
With millions of viewers expected to tune in, the fixture is anticipated to be a major highlight of the T20 World Cup 2026, adding further momentum to the competition being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s absence addressed by ICC and BCB
The ICC statement also addressed the situation surrounding Bangladesh, confirming that the team’s non-participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will not result in penalties. The clarification followed a meeting involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the PCB.
The ICC reiterated its commitment to supporting cricket’s growth in Bangladesh, describing it as one of the sport’s most vibrant markets with over 200 million passionate fans.
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Bangladesh to host an ICC event by 2031
In a significant development, the ICC and BCB jointly confirmed that Bangladesh will be given the opportunity to host an ICC event ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard hosting processes and requirements.
This assurance is seen as a confidence-building measure, reinforcing the ICC’s inclusive approach and long-term vision for global cricket development. It also provides Bangladesh with a pathway to reassert its presence on the international stage despite missing the T20 World Cup.
