The talks that helped thaw Pakistan's India match stance

It was the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan that had caused uncertainty in the ongoing T20 World Cup a couple of weeks ago stating that its team would not participate in the game against India. On Sunday night, the Sharif dispensation confirmed that it was reversing its own decision on the February 15 contest against the traditional rivals.

"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. Moreover, 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 Pakistan Government said in a statement on Monday night.

ICC Chair Jay Shah had deputed Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and UAE's Mubashir Usmani to talk with the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi. While Khwaja was in Lahore discussing matters across the table, Usmani was involved in the marathon discussions from London with all the proceedings monitored by their boss Shah from India. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and PCB CEO Salman Naseer were also part of the marathon meetings.

The Pakistan Government thanked the UAE among others. "The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan's leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges," the Pakistan Government said after the resolution was arrived at.

The Pakistan Government also confirmed that Sharif had a conversation with the Sri Lanka President. "This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse," the Pakistan Government said.