The confirmation of the India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 has not only saved the tournament from a massive financial blow but has also triggered a sharp rise in travel costs for fans
India vs Pakistan will take place on February 15. (Photo Credits: AFP)
Pakistan finally withdrew their boycott of India match in the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. According to a report in the Indian Express, this decision helped the International Cricket Council (ICC) avoid a revenue loss of nearly $174 million.
With the confirmation of the match going ahead as scheduled, flight prices from India to Colombo almost doubled. A Mumbai–Colombo–Mumbai round trip, which was available at relatively reasonable rates earlier, shot up by nearly Rs 30,000, with fares touching around Rs 60,000.
The Pakistan government on Monday, cleared its national cricket team to play India at the T20 World Cup 2026.
"The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)," the official social media handle of the Pakistan government posted.
“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 Cricket Team to take the field on February 15 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup."
The statement released by ICC said: “The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation."
“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a success."
“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.”
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