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Pakistan to play India at T20 World Cup after boycott called off / Photo: © AFP/File
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Pakistan to play India at T20 World Cup after boycott called off
Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the country's cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, ending a week-long stand-off.
"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 team to take the field against India," Sharif posted on X.
"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," the prime minister added.
The U-turn came after a frantic weekend of negotiations to end the boycott of the match, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chiefs travelling to Lahore for talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday.
Clashes between arch-rivals India and Pakistan are among the most lucrative in cricket, worth millions of dollars in broadcast, sponsor and advertising revenue.
The 20-team tournament has been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up after Bangladesh, who refused to play in India citing security concerns, were replaced by Scotland.
As a protest, Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture.
- No penalties -
Pakistan, who edged out Netherlands in the tournament opener on Saturday, would have lost two points with a match forfeit which could have jeopardised their chances of progressing in the tournament.
Late Monday it emerged that Sri Lanka Cricket, the Emirates Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board had all written to the PCB requesting them to play the match against India.
Simultaneously the ICC announced that "no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed" on Bangladesh.
The ICC added that "an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2031".
On Friday, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his team was ready to fulfil the Pakistan fixture.
"We haven't said no to playing them," Suryakumar told reporters at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, where India later played the United States in their opening match.
"They are the ones who have said no. Our flights are booked and we are going to Colombo."
Pakistan captain Salman Agha said last week that the team would follow government advice.
"The India game is not in our control. It was the government's decision," Agha said.
Bangladesh said in a statement that it "extends its sincere appreciation to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council and all involved for their positive roles in trying to overcome recent challenges".
BCB President Aminul Islam said: "We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period.
"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system."
India and Pakistan only play each other in multi-national events such as the World Cup or Champions Trophy.
O.Anderson--SFF
