Pakistan to play India at T20 World Cup after boycott called off

Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the country s cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup on Febr...

Islamabad, Pakistan: 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.