The India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 fixture will go ahead as scheduled after the Government of Pakistan made a dramatic U-turn on its proposed boycott following discussions with International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, directing the national team to take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo.

Just before the Pakistan government announced the reversal on its stance, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi brought the country's army chief, Asim Munir, into the discussion.

During a Pakistan Super League (PSL) press conference, Naqvi was asked about ICC "threats" amid the T20 World Cup boycott row.

In reply, Naqvi said: "Neither am I intimidated by the threats from India and the ICC, nor is the Government of Pakistan. And as for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, you already know him, he never gets afraid."

For the unversed, Asim Munir promoted himself to the rank of Field Marshal - the highest military honour in Pakistan - after cross-border tensions with India last year.

Coming to the boycott row, the Pakistan government backtracked from its stance day after a meeting in Lahore, involving officials from the PCB, BCB and ICC.

The decision was confirmed through social media by Government of Pakistan's official handle. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government's move to withdraw the boycott was influenced by requests from "friendly countries," including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, as well as the "outcomes achieved" through multilateral discussions.

"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 statement read.

"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," it added.