Pakistan has agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup match scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka on February 15, its government said on Monday, reversing its earlier decision to boycott the game against its old rival citing geopolitical tensions.The move follows hectic talks between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Bangladesh had also urged PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to reconsider their decision to boycott the match.Media reports said Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who too urged him to withdraw the boycott call. Geo News reported that Sharif responded to the request by assuring that Pakistan would play against India. “PM Sharif received calls from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and he has agreed to their request to withdraw the boycott call,” a source said.Meanwhile, the ICC issued a statement in Dubai, saying that it would not be penalising Bangladesh for its refusal to play in India. “It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” it said. In addition, the ICC also agreed to give the hosting rights of a global event to Bangladesh between 2028 and 2031.Earlier, Naqvi had stated that a formal announcement on the India match boycott Bangladesh’s stance was valid so we had to back them,” he added.Bangladesh have been ousted from the tournament for refusing to play in India citing security concerns. BCB chief Islam issued a statement in Dhaka, expressing his gratitude towards Pakistan for backing his country but requested that the team show up for the high-profile game for the greater good of the sport.“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Islam said in a statement.“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system,” he added.Soon after, the ICC issued a statement of its own in Dubai, saying that it would not be penalising Bangladesh for its refusal to play in India. The country was ultimately replaced by Scotland in the tournament roster. “It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” stated a press release from the world body.“It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact,” it added. In addition, the ICC also agreed to give the hosting rights of a global event to Bangladesh between 2028 and 2031. Naqvi brushed aside suggestions that the PCB was under pressure due to ICC’s warning of punitive action.“You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshall (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions,” he said.It is understood that during his meeting with ICC deputy chair Imran Khawaja on Sunday, Naqvi had kept a few demands, including resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and a tri-series involving Bangladesh, to offset the losses that the BCB has incurred following their shocking ouster from the global event.