Following a period of intense friction with the ICC and BCCI, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears ready to move forward. The national squad is scheduled to land in Colombo on February 2 to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, according to Telecom Asia Sport.
Despite initial threats of a boycott, logistical preparations are in full swing, with a warm-up fixture against Ireland already slated for February 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Navigating Diplomatic Tensions
The standoff began when the PCB criticized the ICC for what it termed “double standards.” This was sparked by the removal of Bangladesh from the tournament after the BCB cited security concerns regarding travel to India.
However, India was permitted to play the 2025 Champions Trophy at a neutral venue in Dubai, ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland rather than offering a similar compromise.
After high-level consultations involving Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, President Asif Zardari, and former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has been encouraged to prioritize participation.
Logistics and Player Readiness
While an official public confirmation is expected by early next week, the internal machinery is moving. The team is booked to depart Lahore alongside the Australian squad via an Air Lanka flight. Players have been instructed to maintain a competitive mindset, with many already prepared for a month-long stint abroad.
Experts and former officials have specifically cautioned against boycotting the high-stakes clash against India on February 15, noting that such a move could have long-term repercussions for Pakistani cricket.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
The upcoming days are critical for the board. Mohsin Naqvi is expected to provide a final verdict on the team’s status between January 30 and February 2.
For now, the focus remains on the cricket, as Pakistan looks to transition from boardroom debates to the pitch in Sri Lanka, aiming to put the recent administrative turmoil behind them.
T20 World Cup 2026 schedule for Pakistan
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Feb 4 | Pakistan vs Ireland (Warm-up) | SSC, Colombo | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | SSC, Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 10 | Pakistan vs USA | SSC, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | Pakistan vs India | R. Premadasa, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | Pakistan vs Namibia | SSC, Colombo | 3:00 PM |
