Pakistan’s decision to lift a boycott of its Twenty20 World Cup match against India has sparked excitement among cricket fans eager to see the two rivals face each other once again.
The federal government on Monday allowed the national team to take part in the match scheduled for Sunday in Sri Lanka. The fixture had earlier been put on hold after Pakistan announced it would boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh, which declined to tour India citing security concerns.
Cricket fans described matches between Pakistan and India as unmatched in intensity and emotional appeal. Karachi-based supporter Kafeel Ahmed said encounters between the two teams carried a special significance, adding that even a narrow victory brought immense joy to supporters.
Bilateral cricket between the two countries has remained largely suspended for over a decade, with the last full series played in 2012–13. Since then, the teams have met mainly at neutral venues during international tournaments. The decision to reverse the boycott followed appeals from cricket authorities, including officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Fans also pointed to the wider impact of such matches, saying they boost public interest and economic activity linked to the sport. Rai Fayaz, another supporter, said the excitement extended beyond spectators to young players and businesses connected to cricket.
Relations between New Delhi, Islamabad and Dhaka have been under strain in recent months, with political tensions increasingly affecting sporting ties. India and Pakistan were involved in their most serious confrontation in decades in May, while relations with Bangladesh deteriorated after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024 following violent protests.
Reacting to the development, Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said it was positive that a solution had been reached. He credited the International Cricket Council for facilitating dialogue and helping ensure that cricket remained at the forefront despite political challenges.
