Sri Lankan President Thanks PM Sharif As India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Gets Go Ahead

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 07:19 IST

The development came after the Pakistani government directed its Cricket Team to play against India on February 15 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Hours after the Pakistani government allowed its national men’s cricket team to take the field against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said that he is delighted that the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match will proceed as scheduled on February 15.

Taking to X, the Sri Lankan President wrote, “Thank you, Prime Minister @CMShehbaz for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned."

“As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the @ICC and all concerned for their efforts. Sri Lanka hasn’t forgotten the solidarity shown by both India and Pakistan during the 1996 World Cup, when they played in Colombo at a time when others refrained due to security concerns," he added.

The development came after the Pakistani government directed its Cricket Team to play on February 15 for its scheduled fixture against the defending champions, India, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The decision was taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he was briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcomes of high-level talks between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in Lahore.

Pakistan had earlier decided not to play against arch-rival India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament for citing security concerns.

Pakistan’s U-Turn

In a notification issued late on Monday night, the Pakistan government gave a go-ahead to the India-Pakistan match for February 15 in the T20 World Cup.

“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 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 statement.

“Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket and supporting the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations."

News world Sri Lankan President Thanks PM Sharif As India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Gets Go Ahead

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