Sri Lanka Cricket Diplomacy Clears India–Pakistan Match

Sri Lanka has intervened to address the impasse surrounding the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, much to the excitement of fans and event organizers alike. The events surrounding this match are quickly becoming one of the biggest news stories in the sports world due to the tremendous pressure associated with it (and the global attention on the rivalry between two of cricket’s greatest nations).

A Phone Call That Changed Everything

The turning point in this process was a lengthy telephone conversation (at least 30 minutes) between Colombian President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday night (February 9, 2026).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka had been working for several months with Pakistani officials via the Pakistani High Commission in Colombo and the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad; these discussions culminated with the leaders’ phone call on February 9.

Sri Lanka’s Appeal as Co-Host

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for collaboration in order to help resolve the issues surrounding the ICC World Twenty-20 tournament scheduled to take place from September 1 to 15. On January 18, 2024, a post on the Pakistani government’s official Twitter account acknowledged some of BCB’s appeals and shared supportive messages from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other ICC member countries.

The post stated there was a “cordial and amicable dialogue” between BCB president Dissanayake and Prime Minister Sharif. Their mutual discussions highlighted the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and reminded both the relationship had weathered many storms together.

Dissanayake specifically asked Sharif to work toward a friendly resolution, noting Sri Lanka would be co-hosting the ICC World Twenty-20. Shortly after midnight, President Dissanayake expressed his excitement on X that all of the matches would occur as planned.

ICC Confirms Development

In addition, he referred to the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup and expressed appreciation for the goodwill and cooperation that existed among both Pakistan and India as the two competed in Colombo even though both faced grave security threats which resulted in other teams choosing not to compete (as they frequently do) in such conditions.

On Monday night, the ICC announced a decision regarding these events, providing a statement confirming positive discussions and the commencement of a productive working relationship. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were a part of broader ongoing efforts to protect the integrity, neutrality, and unity of the sport.

The ICC also announced that all stakeholders will continue to commit themselves to the game of cricket through co-operation and respect; they are working together to provide the best possible assurance of the tournament’s uninterrupted progress.

A Boost for the T20 World Cup

As a result of the resumption of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, both economically and competitively, the recognition of the India vs. Pakistan encounter in Colombo will dramatically enhance the calibre of the T20 World Cup. Matches between these two teams generate a massive global audience and are often viewed as among the top international cricket events.

Now that the diplomatic issues between both countries have been resolved, supporters can expect to see a spectacular contest, which will undoubtedly be exciting on and off the pitch — making it one of the most followed sports news headlines today around the world.