The decision to proceed with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on February 15, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marks a significant diplomatic achievement, following weeks of uncertainty. According to ARY News, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake publicly thanked Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his role in ensuring the match goes ahead, stating, 'Thank you Prime Minister @CMShehbaz for ensuring the game we all love goes on.' This sentiment was echoed by The Hindu, which highlighted Sri Lanka's pivotal role in mediating the situation, supported by Bangladesh and the UAE, to clear the deadlock over the match. The Guardian reported that Pakistan's initial boycott was a response to security concerns raised by Bangladesh, which led to their withdrawal from the tournament, a decision that could have cost the sport millions.