In a major breakthrough for cricket fans worldwide, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reversed its decision to boycott the high-stakes match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup, set for February 15 in Colombo. The announcement comes after intense diplomatic efforts by the International Cricket Council (ICC), paving the way for one of the most anticipated rivalries in sports to light up the global stage once again.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, speaking to reporters in Kolkata, welcomed the development with open arms. ‘This is a fantastic decision by Pakistan to play against India. Sports and politics must always remain separate,’ Ganguly emphasized. He added that the Indian team is in top form, having dominated recent encounters with Pakistan. ‘India-Pakistan matches are always thrilling, and the next one will be no different. But Pakistan will need to bring their A-game to challenge this formidable Indian side.’
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla echoed Ganguly’s sentiments, praising the ICC’s mediation role. ‘Congratulations to the ICC for resolving this issue and putting cricket first. Bringing Pakistan back to the negotiation table is a huge achievement. Now, the 2026 T20 World Cup can proceed successfully with this blockbuster fixture intact.’
The saga began when Bangladesh pulled out of the tournament citing security concerns in India, prompting the ICC to replace them with Scotland. Pakistan initially joined the boycott against India in solidarity. However, an ICC delegation’s visit to Lahore on Sunday changed the course. Meetings with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and BCB president Aminul Islam resulted in no action against Bangladesh and a commitment for them to host an ICC event before 2031. Shortly after, Pakistan’s government withdrew the boycott order.
As excitement builds, Ganguly’s words serve as a reminder of the electric atmosphere these clashes generate. With India riding high on recent successes, Pakistan faces a steep challenge, but the reversal ensures fans won’t miss out on the drama.