Pakistan agrees to play India match on Feb 15 in ICC T20 World Cup
Pakistan has agreed to play India in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup match scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka on February 15, Pakistan's government said on Monday, reversing its earlier decision to boycott the game against its old rival, citing geopolitical tensions.This comes after a meeting between International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels."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 government statement read.The Pakistan government said PCB reviewed formal requests extended to them by BCB, as well as supporting communications from UAE, Sri Lanka and other nations. Pakistan said it "stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh" and noted the gratitude expressed by BCB President Amin Ul Islam.Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also requested Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse."We remain confident that the 'Men in Green' will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory," the Pakistan government statement added.Timeline leading up to the reversal of boycottFebruary 1: Pakistan announces that it will not take the field against India for the Feb 15 match, but will remain a part of the T20 World Cup.February 1: ICC reacts, saying the South Asian nation's selective participation "undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions".February 7: The global cricket body in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the boycottFebruary 8: ICC, PCB, BCB meet in Lahore for mutual consultation on several matters in the World Cup relating to both Pakistan and BangladeshFebruary 9: ICC announces that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before 2031, and will receive no sanctions for absence from T20 World CupFebruary 9: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh urge Pakistan to solve the impasse with India. February 9: Pakistan announces it will take the field against India on Feb 15Resolution expected after ICC, PCB, BCB meeting on India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in LahoreBangladesh to host ICC event before 2031; no sanctions on BCB for T20 World Cup absence
Pakistan has agreed to play India in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup match scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka on February 15, Pakistan's government said on Monday, reversing its earlier decision to boycott the game against its old rival, citing geopolitical tensions.
This comes after a meeting between International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
"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 government statement read.
The Pakistan government said PCB reviewed formal requests extended to them by BCB, as well as supporting communications from UAE, Sri Lanka and other nations.
Pakistan said it "stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh" and noted the gratitude expressed by BCB President Amin Ul Islam.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also requested Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.
"We remain confident that the 'Men in Green' will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory," the Pakistan government statement added.
Timeline leading up to the reversal of boycott
February 1: Pakistan announces that it will not take the field against India for the Feb 15 match, but will remain a part of the T20 World Cup.
February 1: ICC reacts, saying the South Asian nation's selective participation "undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions".
February 7: The global cricket body in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the boycott
February 8: ICC, PCB, BCB meet in Lahore for mutual consultation on several matters in the World Cup relating to both Pakistan and Bangladesh
February 9: ICC announces that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before 2031, and will receive no sanctions for absence from T20 World Cup
February 9: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh urge Pakistan to solve the impasse with India.
February 9: Pakistan announces it will take the field against India on Feb 15
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