In a significant development for international cricket, Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has publicly thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for allowing their men’s team to face India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The high-stakes clash, scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo, marks a reversal from Pakistan’s earlier reluctance amid regional tensions.
The announcement comes after weeks of diplomatic maneuvering involving the ICC, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan had initially hinted at boycotting the match in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was ousted from the tournament and replaced by Scotland. Bangladesh had sought to shift its games to Sri Lanka citing security concerns, a request firmly rejected by the ICC.
President Dissanayake took to X to express his gratitude, stating, ‘Thank you, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for ensuring that the sport we all love continues. Delighted that the much-awaited India-Pakistan match in Colombo during the T20 Cricket World Cup will proceed as planned.’ He highlighted Sri Lanka’s role as co-host and thanked the ICC for their efforts.
Reflecting on history, Dissanayake recalled the 1996 World Cup when India and Pakistan united in Colombo despite security fears that deterred other nations. This gesture of solidarity remains etched in Sri Lankan cricket lore.
Pakistan’s government issued an official statement late Monday, confirming the decision after consultations with allies. ‘In light of discussions with several countries and requests from friendly nations, the Pakistan government directs the national cricket team to participate in its scheduled match on February 15, 2026,’ it read.
The Pakistan team is currently in Sri Lanka, gearing up for their Group A encounter against the United States on Tuesday. This approval not only salvages a marquee fixture but also underscores cricket’s power to bridge geopolitical divides, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown in Colombo’s vibrant stadium.