Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, reversing an earlier boycott decision. The move follows a telephone conversation between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged Pakistan to reconsider. Pakistan had previously announced a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh, protesting what it said was India’s influence over the International Cricket Council’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament.

Geo TV reported that the discussion between the two leaders was positive, with Sri Lanka proposing that the match be hosted in Sri Lanka. Both leaders highlighted the historic friendship between their nations and mutual support during difficult times. Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board would face no sanctions over its absence from the World Cup and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s importance as a full member.

The ICC also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, reinforcing its confidence in Bangladesh’s hosting capabilities and commitment to cricket development across member nations.