General · 9 February 2026
Pakistan government ends boycott, confirms India match for February 15
Pakistan officially ends its boycott and directs the national team to face India on February 15, 2026, in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reversed the initial stance Monday to support the "spirit of cricket" after Bangladesh withdrew and Scotland joined as replacements. The decision follows intense multilateral talks and protects crucial ICC revenue streams, with major Asian TV rights deals expiring after 2027. The high-voltage clash proceeds as originally scheduled.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs