Top News

News India Live, Digital Desk: The biggest question in the world of cricket at this time is whether Colombo’s R. Will there be a great match between India and Pakistan in Premadasa Stadium? After the Pakistan government ordered to boycott the match against Team India, now a new prediction has raised the hopes of the fans. Sports experts and former cricketers believe that February 12 could be the date when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make a dramatic change (U-Turn) in its stance. What is the ‘U-Turn’ connection of February 12? According to experts, the real reason behind this tough stance of Pakistan is the elections in the neighboring country Bangladesh. Bangladesh Elections (12 February): General elections are to be held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026. Pakistan had boycotted India to show ‘solidarity’ as Bangladesh was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to security reasons. Political Exit: Former BCCI selector Chetan Sharma and many other experts believe that as soon as the elections are over in Bangladesh and a new democratic government takes charge, Pakistan will get a ‘diplomatic excuse’ to back out of its stand. PCB’s draft of possible ‘U-turn’ (Prediction) Sources and experts claim that after February 12, the PCB may issue an official statement, which will say: “Keeping in mind the sentiments of sports fans and the interest of global cricket, we are deciding to play the match against India. We do not want the game and players to suffer because of politics.” What harm can be done to Pakistan by the boycott? If Pakistan really does not take the field on February 15, then it may have to pay a heavy price. Points and Run Rate: India will get 2 straight points (Walkover) and Pakistan’s Net Run Rate (NRR) will be considered zero, making the path to the semi-finals difficult. ICC sanctions: ICC has already warned of ‘long-term consequences’. This could include heavy fines and debarment from hosting future events. Pressure from broadcasters: Companies buying TV rights have invested crores based on the India-Pakistan match. They can take legal action against PCB and ICC. Team India’s stand: “We are ready.” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has made it clear before leaving for Colombo that the Indian team is fully prepared for the match. He said, “We have not refused, the refusal has come from their side. Our schedule is fixed and we are going to Colombo.” Shadow of Champions Trophy 2025 This controversy is actually an extension of the bitterness of Champions Trophy 2025, where India had refused to go to Pakistan and the matches were played in the hybrid model (UAE/Dubai). Now Pakistan is seeing it as a protest against ‘revenge’ and ‘double standards’.