The India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match remains in deadlock because Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed his country’s choice to boycott the February 15 match in Colombo.

Mr. Sharif described the decision as “appropriate” and “considered” leading Pakistan to support Bangladesh which had taken the same position. He insisted that sports fields should remain free from political influences.

The Prime Minister declared that India will not face them at the T20 World Cup according to their political stance which prohibits sports organizations from engaging in political activities. Bangladesh requires our complete support for their position, which we should hold. We stand with Bangladesh, the Prime Minister declared.

Asif Nazrul, Bangladeshs Youth and Sports Adviser, expressed gratitude to Pakistan on social media because he appreciated their backing Bangladesh’s position.

Both team captains spoke about the matter during separate press conferences which took place in Mumbai and Colombo before the tournament started.

Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, stated that the country remains open to playing the scheduled match. The team has not rejected playing Pakistan according to him. The other side has made its decision to reject our offer. The decision now belongs to the other side according to him.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, had decided to play the match at a neutral venue through discussions between Indian government officials and International Cricket Council officials according to him. Suryakumar confirmed that their flight to Colombo would proceed because the ICC had issued a fixture.

Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain, stated that the players could not decide the matter because it belonged to the government and Pakistan Cricket Board.

The team will request authority guidance, if Pakistan faces India again in the semi-finals or finals according to him.

Suryakumar recognized the situation as complex, which created difficulties for all involved parties, including the ICC. My control does not extend to their decision. I wish I could take their decisions, but it’s their call, he explained, while confirming India’s readiness to play if the match occurs.

The ICC expressed major concerns about Pakistan’s current stance because it warned that selective participation would weaken the fundamental principle which defines global tournaments.

The ICC asserted that this position conflicts with the fundamental principle which requires all eligible teams to participate in international competitions according to the established schedule. The ICC declared that those decisions do not benefit baseball or worldwide cricket fans.

The tournament remains affected by the uncertainty which surrounds the major match because fans and organizers wait for a final decision.