Following weeks of diplomatic deadlock, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially welcomed Pakistan’s decision to reverse its boycott of the marquee India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Speaking on February 10, 2026, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla lauded the International Cricket Council (ICC) for navigating the complex geopolitical impasse.
The high-stakes fixture is now confirmed to take place as originally scheduled on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
“An Amicable Solution”
Rajeev Shukla, who had previously maintained that the BCCI would “follow whatever the ICC decides,” expressed relief and gratitude toward the global governing body.
- Kudos to ICC: “I am delighted to see the outcome… All kudos to the ICC for taking this initiative, resolving the issue, and bringing cricket back to the forefront,” Shukla told reporters.
- Prioritizing the Game: He emphasized that the resolution prioritizes the “importance of the game” over political disagreements, calling it a “win-win situation for everybody.”
- Assuaging Bangladesh: Shukla noted that the negotiations successfully addressed the grievances of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), ensuring they are “happy” with the new roadmap.
The Terms of the Peace Deal
The “U-turn” by the Pakistan Government follows a series of concessions and assurances brokered by the ICC during marathon meetings in Lahore:
- No Sanctions for BCB: The ICC confirmed that no financial or sporting penalties will be imposed on Bangladesh for their refusal to travel to India for the tournament.
- Future Hosting Rights: Bangladesh has been assured hosting rights for a major ICC event prior to 2031 (potentially the 2028 U-19 World Cup).
- Pakistan’s “Face-Saver”: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi framed the decision as a principled move after securing these “protections” for a fellow board member.
Tournament Outlook: A “Success Story”
The standoff had significantly overshadowed the start of the World Cup, which began on February 7.
- The “Big Success”: Shukla predicted that with the India-Pakistan match back on the table, the 2026 edition would emerge as a major success story.
- Match Timing: The February 15 clash in Colombo is expected to break global viewership records, serving as the financial and emotional anchor of the tournament.
IND vs PAK: Key Match Details
| Detail | Status |
| Date | February 15, 2026 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| BCCI Stance | Ready to play; applauds ICC leadership. |
| PCB Stance | Boycott withdrawn; team directed to “take the field.” |