Islamabad: Pakistan has decided to play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, a move that has helped the International Cricket Council (ICC) avoid an estimated financial loss of $174 million, according to Indian media reports.
The decision to proceed with the highly anticipated Pakistan–India match has eased concerns among broadcasters, sponsors, and stakeholders. Indian media reported that the potential losses were linked to broadcasting rights, gate money, and sponsorship deals, which were at risk if the match was cancelled.
Following confirmation of the match, a sharp increase was recorded in air ticket prices for Mumbai and Colombo, with fares reportedly rising between INR 10,000 and 60,000. The hotel industry in Colombo has also welcomed the decision, expecting a surge in bookings due to cricket fans traveling for the match.
Earlier, after Pakistan had announced a possible boycott, hotels were approached for booking cancellations, while several fans sought information regarding ticket refund policies. However, the government’s latest decision has reversed uncertainty surrounding the fixture.
The Government of Pakistan has officially granted permission to the national cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup. In a formal statement, the government confirmed that Pakistan will play the match as scheduled on February 15.
The government said the decision was taken after consultations and formal requests from participating countries, including a written request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The statement acknowledged the role of BCB President Aminul Islam, whose remarks and expression of goodwill were appreciated.
According to the statement, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and other countries also approached Pakistan to help resolve the issue and ensure continuity of the tournament. The government reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh and thanked friendly nations for their constructive role.
The statement emphasized that the decision reflects Pakistan’s commitment to the spirit of cricket and the continuity of international sports. The prime minister and the people of Pakistan extended their best wishes to the national team, expressing confidence that the “Men in Green” will represent the country with pride on the global stage.
It may be recalled that Pakistan had earlier announced a boycott of the match against India before reversing the decision.