India-Pakistan match on as Pak govt withdraws boycott
Islamabad/Dhaka (PTI): The India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup will go ahead as scheduled after Pakistan's government decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending an impasse that cast a shadow on the ongoing tournament.
The game against India is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
ALSO READ: There is no India-Pakistan in our team, says UAE skipper Waseem
"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," the Pakistan government stated in a press release.
It was clear that the country would withdraw the call after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement urging Pakistan to take the field for the greater good of the game.
"...this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations," the statement from Pakistan government added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged him to withdraw the boycott call.
"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Canada should take action against killers of Chandan Kumar: HM Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the Canadian government should take stern action against those who shot dead 37-year-old techie Chandan Kumar in Toronto two days ago in a suspected targeted killing.
Hailing from Thyamagondlu village at Nelamangala on Bengaluru outskirts, Kumar was the only child of Nanda Kumar, a retired teacher.
His parents have appealed to the Centre and the Karnataka government to help bring back his body from Toronto.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said he is deeply pained to learn about Kumar's killing.
He added that there is no proper information available as to why the techie was targeted.
"He was a talented person who went there and worked as a project director. Strict action should be taken in accordance with the existing laws in Canada. I learnt that the investigation has begun," Parameshwara said.
Regarding bringing the body back to India, he said the matter has come to the notice of the Indian authorities and they will make some arrangements.
The grieving parents of Kumar told Parameshwara that they have no reason to live anymore after losing their lone child.
"Please help us bring the body back at the earliest," Kumar's mother pleaded with the minister.
Parameshwara said the Karnataka government has reached out to the Indian Embassy in Canada in this regard.
