Pakistan’s U-turn on boycott stance:PCB agrees to play India on 15 Feb; Iceland cricket trolls Pakistani board

The India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as scheduled earlier on February 15, after Pakistan officially withdrew its earlier decision to boycott the game. The announcement was made by the Government of Pakistan through its official account on X, confirming a major turnaround after previously stating that the team would not play against India. In its statement, the Pakistan government said the decision was taken after receiving formal requests from several cricket boards. These included appeals from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with support from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other ICC member nations. The statement added that these countries urged Pakistan to play a leadership role in finding a practical solution to the recent challenges through dialogue. Following these discussions and at the request of friendly nations, the government directed the Pakistan national team to take the field for its scheduled match on February 15, 2026. The ICC also confirmed the development, noting that Pakistan has now agreed to participate fully in the tournament, including the high-profile clash against India. Also read: IND-PAK match to go ahead after Pakistan’s U-turn: Pak government calls off boycott after ‘formal requests’ from other nations Soon after Pakistan reversed its stance on the India–Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup, social media was flooded with reactions. Netizens were quick to respond, with many mocking Pakistan’s cricket board and government for the sudden U-turn. From passionate fans to former cricketers and experts, reactions poured in across platforms, turning the development into a major talking point online: Pakistan’s U-turn over IND-PAK clash in T20 World Cup 2026 In their official tweet, the Pakistan government informed that their decision to call off the boycott came after ‘formal requests’ made by other member nations. “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,” a part of their statement read. “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 confirmed. ICC confirms IND-PAK clash on Feb 15 as scheduled earlier The International Cricket Council also issued a statement which confirmed the development. “The ICC had previously noted the statement issued by the Government of Pakistan regarding its decision to restrict the team’s participation in the tournament to select matches.” “Ahead of what will be a highly-anticipated contest against India, Pakistan will play their second game of the tournament against the USA on 10 February in Colombo,” the apex body said. From fans, former cricketers to experts: Social media reactions after PAK’s U-turn Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Sri Lanka President Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Sharif after the Pakistan government called off their boycott of the India match. The Pakistan government’s tweet also announced that Dissanayake asked Sharif to give clearance to the match, which is scheduled to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on 15 February. Iceland Cricket brutally mocked Pakistan cricket Soon after the U-turn, Iceland Cricket took the opportunity to brutally mock Pakistan cricket. They wrote in ‘X’ handle, “The Pakistanis are back on Sunday and what a glorious decision made for the good of cricket and mankind! We knew they were bluffing. Unforfeiture confirmed! Harsha Bhogle – Legendary commentator India’s legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle responds to Pakistan’s U-turn on the IND-PAK clash at the T20 World Cup 2026. He wrote, “Pakistan were always going to play. It was clear as daylight. Withdrawal was never even a possibility.” Michael Vaughan – Former English cricketer and commentator Former English cricketer and commentator Michael Vaughan urges a Test cricket clash between India and Pakistan soon as well. He said that the UK is eager to host them for a three-match Test series. Also read: Markram, Ngidi power South Africa past Canada: Proteas begin T20 World Cup campaign with emphatic 57-run win Fans reactions