NEW DELHI: The India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match will proceed as planned after Pakistan’s government decided to reverse its boycott, following appeals from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending a standoff that had overshadowed the ongoing tournament.

The clash against India is set to take place in Colombo on February 15.

"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," the Pakistan government said in a press release.

It became evident that Pakistan would retract its boycott after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam released a statement urging the team to participate for the greater good of the sport.

"...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 government’s statement added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who appealed for the boycott to be lifted.

"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse."

(With PTI Inputs)