On February 9, the Pakistan government took a U-turn on India match boycott in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The group stage match on February 15 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo will progress as scheduled. As the Pakistan government and Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) drama came to an end, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla lauded the International Cricket Council (ICC) for resolving the issue.
“I am delighted to see the outcome of the deliberations initiated by the ICC representative, supervised by the ICC Chairman and the representatives who had gone to Lahore to talk to the Pakistan Cricket Board as well as the Bangladesh Cricket Board. It's a good, amicable solution that has been found to prioritise cricket's importance,” Shukla told the reporters on February 10.
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“This is what has been done. So, all kudos to ICC for taking this initiative, resolving the issue, and bringing cricket back to the forefront. This is a major achievement for ICC. So I would like to thank ICC for taking this initiative and bringing Pakistan to the table, ultimately deciding for Pakistan to play in the Colombo match,” he added.
Shukla happy for BCB, calls this World Cup a ‘success story’
In the meeting at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, PCB's several demands were rejected. However, the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) won't be sanctioned. Also, in the next cycle, they will get the hosting rights for an ICC event.
As the controversy came to an end, Shukla said that he is happy for BCB as their grievances were addressed. He went on to say that this T20 World Cup will be a big success story.
“It's good news for all of us, and the scheduled match for February 15 in Colombo will take place. Pakistan will also play. So now this World Cup will also be a big success story. Bangladesh's feelings have also been assaged as far as these negotiations are concerned, and some relief has been given to their board, and they are also happy,” said Shukla.
“In fact, they have praised ICC for its efforts. It's a win-win situation for everybody, and I'm happy that the match will take place and the World Cup will be a successful event,” he added.