AKDs Diplomacy Saves the Day: India–Pakistan T20 Clash in Colombo Back On

COLOMBO (News 1st); A flurry of late‑night diplomacy between Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and global cricket authorities has cleared the way for the high‑voltage India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo to proceed on February 15, ending uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the match would go ahead as scheduled, thanking Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for ensuring “the game we all love goes on.”

“Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned,” President Dissanayake said on X.

“As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the ICC and all concerned for their efforts. Sri Lanka hasn’t forgotten the solidarity shown by both India and Pakistan during the 1996 World Cup, when they played in Colombo at a time when others refrained due to security concerns.”

In Islamabad, the Government of Pakistan issued a detailed statement following intensive consultations between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

According to the statement, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally briefed Prime Minister Sharif on multilateral discussions concerning recent challenges affecting the tournament.

The Pakistan government acknowledged having received requests from the BCB, supported by Sri Lanka, the UAE, and other cricketing nations, seeking Pakistan’s leadership in finding a viable solution.

It also noted the “profound gratitude” expressed by BCB President Amin ul Islam, describing Bangladesh as a “brotherly nation with whom Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder.” A key turning point came during a telephone call between Prime Minister Sharif and President Dissanayake, described as “warm and friendly,” during which Sri Lanka requested Pakistan’s cooperation in resolving the impasse.

Following the consultations, Islamabad issued a clear directive:

“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.”

The statement emphasized that the decision was made to “protect the spirit of cricket” and to support the continuity of the global sport.

Pakistan also extended best wishes to the Men in Green, expressing confidence that the team would carry “the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”