IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup Match Status LIVE: Pakistan ends boycott after 'friendly requests'; to play India on Feb 15

Pakistan are all set to face off against USA today during their second league stage match of the tournament. Notably, USA had defeated the Men in Green during the last T20 World Cup and would be looking for a repeat of that result today.

ICC has issued a statement about Bangladesh cricket in its blogpost, writing,“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.”

Reports suggest that ICC has also agreed to not levy sactions on BCB for their refusal to play in India. BCB are also said to have been told that they have a right to seek redressal from the Disputes Resolution Committee of the ICC.

In a statement on its blogpost, ICC said, “In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a success.

In an official statement, the Pakistan government said, "In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup."

ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) concluded talks and jointly reaffirmed commitment to the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Discussions were part of broader engagement aimed at constructive dialogue, unity and cooperation in the best interests of the game.

Both sides stressed integrity, neutrality and shared responsibility to ensure the tournament’s success.

It was agreed that all member boards will honour their participation commitments under ICC event regulations.

ICC emphasised collective responsibility to safeguard the credibility and smooth conduct of the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan government has directed the national cricket team to play India on February 15, 2026, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The decision follows multilateral discussions involving key stakeholders.

Islamabad said the move was taken after requests from friendly countries.

The directive applies specifically to Pakistan’s scheduled World Cup fixture against India.

"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, said Government of Pakistan in a statement.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for February 15.

The appeal came after meetings in Lahore involving officials from the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCB.

Pakistan announced the boycott after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament last month.

The replacement followed Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to co-hosts India for the event.

BCB president Mohammad Aminul Islam thanked Pakistan for its support during the controversy. Islam said Pakistan’s participation would benefit “the entire cricket ecosystem”.

Pakistan has not yet announced formally whether it will reverse its boycott decision.

“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders, including BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened," ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said.

"Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions,” he added.

The ICC has also reached an agreement that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031. It has emphasised its confidence in “Bangladesh’s capability as a host”.

“The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity,” the ICC wrote while hinting at a settlement among the stakeholders.

The ICC has declared that it will impose a penalty on Bangladesh.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter. It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact,” the ICC has said in an official statement.

“The ICC’s approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment,” it added.

Following Bangladesh's request, Pakistan is set to withdraw its boycott of India for the T20 World Cup 2026 match. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, however, says Pakistan is still waiting for clarity from the ICC and the BCB on certain issues, according to a PTI report.

"We have had discussions with them. It would not be right for me to make any comments right now. Once we get their response, we will decide. We will go back to the PM (Shehbaz Sharif) for advice once the ICC replies," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore.

"An announcement will come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," he said.

PCB earlier ‘categorically rejected’ that the board had approached the ICC for further discussion.

"As usual, sections of Indian media are busy circulating fiction. A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn't," PCB Spokesperson Amir Mir said.

Iceland Cricket, known for its tongue-in-cheek social media comments, continues to make fun of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“The PCB and BCB have demanded a tri-series with India. They should have demanded one with us, because we would have said 'yes' and provided a safe operating space on one of our lava fields for the matches. We are not into brinkmanship,” it wrote on social media.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has urged Pakistan to play the India game.

“We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” BCB President Md Aminul Islam said.

“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” he added.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the Government of Pakistan said on Twitter (now X) on 1 February.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi stated on Monday that a final decision regarding whether his country will boycott the T20 World Cup match against India will be made within the next 24 hours, PTI reported.

"We have had discussions with them. It would not be right for me to make any comments right now. Once we get their response, we will decide. We will go back to the PM (Shehbaz Sharif) for advice once the ICC replies," the news portal quoted Naqvi.

"An announcement will come tomorrow or day after tomorrow," he said.

Earlier, ICC stated in a release that it has noted the Government of Pakistan's statement regarding the decision to instruct its national team to participate selectively in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

"While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule," ANI quoted the release.

Addressing PM Sharif's stance of Pakistan not playing the ICC T20 World Cup Group Stage clash, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said that the board will go with whatever the ICC decides.

Shukla told ANI, "BCCI has nothing to say on this (on Shehbaz's statement). ICC has to decide on this, and whatever ICC says, we will go according to that decision..."

Is the match happening? Some unverified social media reports claim that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called the ICC delegations ‘guests’.

"When guests come, we forget and forgive a lot of things,” Naqvi reportedly said.

LiveMint could not independently verify the claim.

Many Indian cricket fans have slammed the PCB over its ‘excuses’.

“From boycott threats to begging at ICC doors in days. Will PCB now play the match or find new excuses? Humbled real quick!” wrote one of them.

Amid the Pakistan dilemma, the BCCI has released the Annual Player Retainership 2025-26. The most striking update is that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been downgraded from A+ to Category B.

Pakistani journalist Ather Kazmi has dismissed all speculation that the PCB approached the ICC to discuss the boycott further. He says it's all ‘cooked up’ by the Indian media, since India still can't believe Pakistan would refuse to play Team India.

“This is an addition to India's false statements. Pakistan's decision is final. With only a few days left, everyone will see that Pakistan won't play the match,” he said.

Pakistan's original logic behind the boycott was solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC refused to entertain Bangladesh's last-minute request to change the venue as it did not want to play in India. Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup.

However, none of Pakistan's reported demands to the ICC has a Bangladesh connection. Its main demand is revenue-related.

Mohsin Naqvi will brief PM Sharif “on the communications he has had with the Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Emirates cricket boards and with the ICC on the crisis," PTI quoted an insider as saying.

According to the insider, Naqvi raised a number of issues while discussing with Imran Khawaja, vice chairman and independent director of the ICC.

"He questioned Khawaja if the ICC had kept quiet if the Pakistan team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy at the presentation from any Indian board official," the source told PTI.

Pacer Salman Mirza earlier said that Pakistan were ready to play all matches (including the one against India), if allowed by the government.

"We are preparing for the entire T20 World Cup. We will play accordingly to the team we have to play. It will be the government's decision. We will do whatever is told to us," the 32-year-old said while addressing a press conference.

Bangladesh has a number of demands. One of its demands wants an extension of the hybrid model until 2031. According to NDTV, Bangladesh wants to ensure that Pakistan matches are hosted by them.

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will discuss the matter with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. After all, the decision to boycott the India game came from the Pakistani government, not PCB.

Some reports also claim that the ICC has not set a deadline for the PCB. Nonetheless, a final decision is expected very soon.

The PCB demanded the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. However, the ICC has apparently said that it doesn't fall under its jurisdiction. The BCCI follows the directive from the Government of India. Unless it is greenlighted from the authorities, India-Pakistan bilateral series is not going resume.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for 14 years. The last bilateral series between the neighbours was in December 2012.

Those days, MS Dhoni led India in all formats. Sachin Tendulkar retired from ODIs. Rohit Sharma was yet to secure his place in the team.

The ICC has rejected PCB's three demands for a boycott U-turn, according to India Today. The PCB's demand for a bilateral series against India has been rejected.

Besides this, the ICC has also rejected PCB's demand for an increase in ICC share and making handshakes mandatory in all international matches.

Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board for boycotting the India game. "Backing out of a World Cup for what. They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised of Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important," Ganguly said in Kolkata.

In a latest development, the PCB and BAN have demanded a tri-series involving India and themselves. According to a Cricbuzz report, the demand for the tri-series was made last evening during the ICC-PCB meeting in Lahore.

Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez was against the boycott.

“I understand Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh, but what does the PCB hope to accomplish by not sending the team, other than damaging its relationship with the ICC and other member boards?” he earlier said.

The outcome of the PAK vs USA match may play a major role in Pakistan's decision-making. If Pakistan lose to the USA, they will still have 2 points. Forfeiting the India game will not only cost them 2 points but weaken their net run rate as well.

Even if they win their last group game against Namibia, they'll be left with just 4 points. In a 5-member group, it in highly unlikely for a team with 4 points to qualify for the next round. If Pakistan lose against the USA, they may not leave the opportunity to earn 2 points against India.

The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was expected to address the media at 4 PM today, but nothing such happened. Even if the PCB and the ICC have sorted things out internally, the official confirmation will come only after the PMO approves.

After ECB and SLC, Bangladesh Cricket Board is third to request the PCB to reconsider their decision over the India match boycott. According to a PTI report, BCB president Aminul Islam has also requested the PCB to withdraw the boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul was present during the ICC-BCB meeting yesterday in Lahore. In front of the ICC delegation, BCB demanded their tournament participation fee of the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after they refused to play in India. It is also been heard that the PCB has backed BCB's demands in front of ICC.

According to a RevSportz report, the ICC-PCB meeting went late night on Sunday. As of Monday, the PCB is awaiting a reply from the ICC. It must be noted that the PCB has kept three demands in front of the apex body - an increase in ICC annual revenue, resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral ties and making handshakes mandatory in the game. It is understood that following the reply from the ICC, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will meet PM Shehbaz Sharif to discuss whether to take back the boycott against India or not.

After a letter Sri Lanka Cricket, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has now also written to the PCB, urging them to re-consider their decision to not play the India clash. According to a report in RevSportz, ECB stated in its letter that a non-participation of the India vs Pakistan clash will have a severe effect on the Associate nations.“The Emirates Cricket Board has long-term rapport with Pakistan and in the past we have accommodated Pakistan by giving them our venues and organised their cricket,” ECB's letter to the PCB said, reported by RevSportz.

“Pakistan’s latest decision of not playing the WCT20 match against India will hurt the game and most member countries, especially the Associates will suffer financially. As a family member we request the PCB to reconsider their decision and find an acceptable solution,” the letter further added.

It is understood that ECB's general secretary Mubashshir Usmani is playing the role of the peacemaker along with ICC's deputy chairman Imran Khawaja.

There is absolute radio silence from both the ICC and PCB for now. It is likely that more information about the boycott or withdrawal thereoff will only come to light once PCB chief goes to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

IND vs PAK Match Row LIVE: During an interaction with ANI, Kirti Azad said, "Pakistan knows it can't win. So it thought to save face... India had a great opportunity when 26 people were killed in Baisaran (valley in Pahalgam). India shouldn't have played in the World Cup then... This would have sent a message internationally that we are against terrorists and that Pakistan is the biggest terrorist state,"

The last match between India and Pakistan was during the Asia Cup final last year. In a low scoring affair, Pakistan were bowled out for 146. As for the Indian innings, the Men in Blue lost a few early wickets but a stellar innings from Tilak Varma (69 off 53 balls) ensured that the Indian team got off the line with ease.

A tough battle is loading for Pakistan as they take on USA in Colombo tomorrow. The Salman Agha led side had already faced a tough battle against Netherlands and this USA side had even caused a meltdown in the strong Indian middle order.

Moreover, USA had also defeated Pakistan in the last edition of the World Cup in what was termed as a historic upset.

During the meeting with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, Mohsin Naqvi raised the issue of Asia Cup trophy, according to the PTI report. Notably, India had rejected to take the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after which he had asked his staff to take the trophy from the ground and it is currently locked at the Asian Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai.

"He questioned Khawaja if the ICC had kept quiet if the Pakistan team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy at the presentation from any Indian board official," a PCB source was quoted by PTI as saying.

Bangladesh cricket board president Amin ul Islam is current in Lahore for talks with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. As per the PTI report, while Islam has shown appreciation for the support shown by Pakistan for the Bangladesh board, has requested Naqvi to end the boycott.

Sri Lanka and Emirates boards have also asked Pakistan to end the boycott and Naqvi will likely ask PM to permit the team to play India in the World Cup.

A new report from PTI has also confirmed what we have already been hearing for the last few hours. Pakistan cricket board chief Mohsin Naqvi is all set to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the latest developments on the issue and seek guidance on playing against India.

Naqvi will reportedly request Shaif to withdraw the boycott against India after being requested to do so by his Bangladesh counterpart.

"Naqvi will brief the PM on the communications he has had with the Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Emirates cricket boards and with the ICC on the crisis," the PTI report quoted a PCB source as saying

Pakistan have already played and won their first match against Netherlands. They will next face off against United States of America. The next clash is against India on 15 February at R Premadasa stadium in Colombo while the their last league stage match is against Namibia at the SSC.

Owing to the political tensions between India and Pakistan, it was agreed that whenever one of the countries is hosting an ICC event, their matches against each other will be held at a neutral venue. During the Champions Trophy last year, India had played all their matches in UAE.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are playing all their matches in Sri Lanka during the T20 World Cup this year.

Pakistan had earlier categorically denied playing the match against India. However, even Pakistan based publications are stating that PCB held a marathon 5 hour meeting with ICC chief and its head Mohsin Naqvi will once again be consulting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for the match against India. This suggests that Pakistan may be heading towards a reversal on its stance. However, the final decision will only be clarified after Sharif, PCB or Pakistan government announce their next step.

While there was a lot of uncertainty over Pakistan's boycott, former India spinner R Ashwin had earlier predicted that Pakistan would be playing the match against India.

The off-spinner noted in a YouTube video that the financial loss for the PCB will have to prompt the board to come to a compromise.

“100 percent, the match between India and Pakistan will happen. I feel that it will happen. The next 3-4 days will see these decisions being overturned. And that’s my hunch, and I hope I want to see the India-Pakistan encounter. Because there are a lot of business decisions in this. Pakistan has another problem. There may also be financial loss as you will have to reimburse the broadcasters for whatever loss they have incurred. ,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel

“So I think they will have to come to a compromise. The financial thing involved in this will mean that other ICC member countries, too, will face a loss. In the ICC meeting, all these members will say because of Pakistan, we are getting these losses. PSL is also going to happen. Even in PSL, players can say that we will not come” he added