Pakistan will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play the much-anticipated group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15, the Government of Pakistan confirmed on Sunday.
The decision was announced through an official statement shared on the government’s X (formerly Twitter) account, ending days of speculation over Pakistan’s participation in the global tournament.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement read.
Decision follows high-level meeting
The announcement came shortly after a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, where Pakistan’s stance on the tournament was finalised.
Naqvi had earlier indicated that a final call on Pakistan’s participation would be taken by the end of January or early February, amid growing concerns over what the PCB described as the International Cricket Council’s “double standards”.
ICC under fire over Bangladesh issue
According to government sources, Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India fixture is linked to the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after refusing to tour India due to security concerns — a move that sparked backlash across the region. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested neutral venues, but the ICC rejected the plea, citing scheduling constraints so close to the tournament’s February 7 start date.
Sources said Pakistan’s move was intended as a symbolic protest and a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, accusing the ICC of applying unequal standards.
Financial blow for ICC
The absence of a Pakistan-India clash — traditionally the most watched fixture in global cricket — is expected to cause a significant financial setback for the ICC, broadcasters, and sponsors.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had openly criticised the governing body last week, alleging that the ICC operates under the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a claim that has not been officially responded to by the ICC.
Neutral venues confirmed for Pakistan
Despite the boycott, Pakistan will remain part of the tournament and will play their remaining matches at neutral venues, as per an existing arrangement between Pakistan and India for ICC events.
For the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan’s fixtures are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, with the tournament jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
What happens next?
It remains unclear how the ICC will officially classify the Pakistan-India match — whether as a forfeit, no result, or abandoned fixture — with further clarification expected in the coming days.
With just days left before the start of the tournament, the unprecedented decision has added a fresh layer of controversy to an already politically sensitive World Cup, placing the ICC under renewed scrutiny from fans and stakeholders alike.
