After a much-awaited green signal to Pakistan from the government to play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued its official statement.
According to the statement, “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.”
ICC stated, “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,” the international cricketing body added.
ICC offers to Bangladesh
The announcement also followed a meeting between the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The BCB and ICC thereafter confirmed that Bangladesh will not face penalties for their absence from the tournament and will have the opportunity to host an ICC event ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard ICC hosting processes and requirements.
Govt allows Pakistan to play against India
The Government of Pakistan yesterday formally directed the Pakistan national cricket team to take in the field on Sunday for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high level deliberations held between the PCB, representative of International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal request extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, supporting communication from Sri-Lanka, United Arab Emirates and other members nations.
The Prime Minister and people of Pakistan have extended their best wishes to the “Men in Green” and hoped the confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride on to the field as they compete for global glory.
