President Anurath intervenes in the issue: Pakistan agrees to a cricket match with India in Colombo

The Pakistan government and its cricket board have decided to withdraw their decision to boycott the crucial match between India and Pakistan, which was scheduled to be held under the 2026 T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament. The match was to be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Pakistan had previously announced that it would boycott this match, scheduled for February 15th at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, citing regional geopolitical crises and issues faced by the Bangladesh team. However, following heated diplomatic discussions in Lahore between several parties including the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and Bangladesh, the Pakistan government officially instructed its team on February 09 and 10 to participate in all matches of the tournament.

A major factor in changing this decision was the special intervention made by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President, who acted immediately when the risk of boycotting the India-Pakistan match arose, held a special phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting him to consider the advancement of regional cricket and Sri Lanka's hospitality. Respecting that request and considering the appeals of friendly parties, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan has agreed to re-enter the tournament.

The main reason for Pakistan's protest was the crisis that arose when Bangladesh refused to participate in matches held in India due to security and political reasons.

Appreciating this positive decision by Pakistan, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated in a post on his official 'X' account that the support given by Pakistan and India for Sri Lankan cricket during the 1996 World Cup and when Sri Lanka was suffering from terrorism will never be forgotten. This 'A' group match, which has garnered significant attention from cricket fans worldwide, will be held as planned on the evening of February 15th at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will run from February 07 to March 08.