The highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan is back on track after the Pakistan government reversed its earlier decision to boycott the match. The match is scheduled to take place on February 15 in Colombo.

The reversal comes after a week of high-level negotiations involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Initially, Pakistan had threatened to boycott the match in solidarity with Bangladesh, after the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. Bangladesh was subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

The Pakistan government had previously stated that the team would not take the field against India as a sign of support for Bangladesh. This decision led to a standoff between the PCB and the ICC, with the ICC warning of potential financial penalties and points forfeiture if Pakistan refused to play. The ICC also emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the T20 World Cup schedule.

According to reports, the ICC rejected several demands made by the PCB, including a request to ensure Bangladesh would not face any financial losses despite not participating in the tournament. The PCB had also asked the ICC to help revive bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan and proposed a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The ICC stated that these matters fell outside its jurisdiction.

The change in Pakistan's stance followed requests from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Sri Lankan government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who requested that Pakistan consider resolving the issue amicably. The Pakistan government stated that its decision to allow the match to proceed was influenced by these requests and the need to secure a viable solution to the challenges.

The government has directed the Pakistan national cricket team to participate in the February 15 fixture. The decision has resolved the uncertainties surrounding the high-profile match.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had invoked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, stating that neither he, the government, nor the Field Marshal were intimidated by threats from India and the ICC. Naqvi's remarks were interpreted as an attempt to frame the cricketing impasse within the context of national sovereignty and security.

The reversal by Pakistan has been welcomed by cricket fans and officials alike. The match between India and Pakistan is one of the most highly anticipated events in the cricket calendar, generating substantial revenue through broadcast rights, sponsorships, and global viewership.