Pakistan Government Tells Team Play Match Against India

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Pakistan has issued a firm directive for its national cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture with India, prioritizing the spirit of cricket amid regional challenges.

This decision followed a key telephone call this evening between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In a warm and friendly conversation, the leaders reaffirmed their nations' unbreakable bond, standing "shoulder to shoulder" through tough times. President Dissanayake urged Prime Minister Sharif to seriously consider an amicable resolution to the current impasse, a plea echoed in supporting communications from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, and others.

The directive come from a formal briefing to Prime Minister Sharif by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on high-level talks involving PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Pakistan reviewed BCB's requests and noted profound gratitude from BCB President Amin ul Islam, reaffirming its solidarity with Bangladesh.

"Protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting its continuity in all nations guided this move," the statement emphasized. Prime Minister Sharif and the Pakistani people extended best wishes to the "Men in Green," confident in their display of sportsmanship and national pride.