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News India Live, Digital Desk: The high-voltage drama surrounding the most awaited match of T20 World Cup 2026 ‘India vs Pakistan’ is finally over. Pakistan, which was vowing to boycott the match against India till 1st February, has taken a complete ‘U-Turn’ within just 10 days. Now on 15th February, R. of Colombo. Both the teams will face each other at Premadasa Stadium. But the question is, who forced Pakistan to bow down?
1. ‘Economic’ siege of ICC
Pakistan had cited the ‘Force Majeure’ clause for not playing the match against India, which was rejected outright by the ICC. The ICC clearly warned that if Pakistan leaves the match, it will have to compensate the loss of crores of rupees to the broadcasters (Jio-Star) from its own pocket. Apart from this, there was also a threat to put a stop to Pakistan’s annual revenue share.
2. Fear of being ‘blacklisted’
Not just the fine, ICC had made up its mind to isolate PCB at the international level. In the event of a boycott, Pakistan was at risk of being banned from upcoming bilateral series and future ICC tournaments. To save its reputation in world cricket, Pakistan was left with no option but to kneel down.
3. Pressure from friendly countries and BCB
Interestingly, the same Bangladesh (BCB) in whose support Pakistan had staged a boycott, requested Pakistan to play the match. Friendly countries like Sri Lanka and UAE also explained to Pakistan that this move would cause huge economic loss to Asian cricket. The Sri Lankan President himself spoke to Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif on phone and appealed to end the deadlock.
4. ‘Soft surrender’ or diplomatic victory?
PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has called it a victory in the ‘spirit of the game’, but the reality is that the ICC has not accepted any of Pakistan’s bilateral series or hybrid model conditions. Pakistan has to enter the field without any concrete concession.