Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Updates: ICC concessions emerge as India react to boycott withdrawal

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq lashed out at former India cricketers for spreading hatred. He made the comment on the same day when Pakistan made the U-turn and announced that it would be taking the field against India on February 15 in Colombo.

"Recently, an ex-cricketer—I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right—was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, ‘Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?’ I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!” Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: Former India batter Wasim Jaffer took to X (formerly Twitter) to troll Pakistan following the U-turn regarding the T20 World Cup match against India. He shared a uber-popular scene from the cult comedy ‘Hera Pheri’.

Sharing the meme, he wrote on X, “If you know, you know.”

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted to the latest development, urging India and Pakistan to play a Test series in the UK.

“It’s great for the comp and cricket .. We need them to somehow play a Test series soon as well .. UK would be a great place to host a 3 match series,” wrote Vaughan on X.

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: After the confirmation by the Government of Pakistan, the ICC released a statement, confirming that the body was involved in good and fruitful conversations with the PCB and the importance was laid on maintaining the sanctity of the T20 World Cup schedule.

The full statement is as follows:

The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation.

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.

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.

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: According to a report in the Indian Express, Pakistan's U-turn has resulted in USD 174 million being saved and there would be no financial loss for any stakeholder. Moreover the ticket prices for Colombo have also witnessed a sharp hike after the go ahead was given to the India versus Pakistan contest.

“The cumulative loss would have been around $174 million dollars, including those related to broadcasters, gate money and other sponsorships,” the Indian Express quoted a source as saying.

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: The Government of Pakistan issued a lengthy statement on Monday night, while confirming that the match would go ahead against India in Colombo.

Here's the full text of the tweet put out by the official handle of Government of Pakistan:

The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges.

The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.

This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.

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.

Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.

The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the "Men in Green." We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.

Pakistan's U-turn on T20 World Cup India match Live Updates: The match between India and Pakistan would indeed go ahead as planned after the Government of Pakistan changed its previous stance and gave the permission to Salman Ali Agha to take the field against the traditional rivals on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium.