Pakistan will not play its scheduled match against India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The decision was announced by the Pakistani government on Sunday evening, ending days of intense speculation.
In an official statement, the government confirmed it has permitted the national team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. However, the team will not take the field for its match against India, which was fixed for February 15.
The announcement came hours after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore. The PCB had earlier indicated that a final decision on participation would be made by January 30 or February 2, but the conclusion was reached sooner.
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Pakistan is expected to travel to Sri Lanka on Monday to begin its World Cup campaign.
The PCB's move is widely viewed as a protest against the International Cricket Council's refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s World Cup matches out of India—a demand Pakistan had strongly supported. The PCB had raised the issue at a recent ICC Board meeting, arguing that Bangladesh had been treated unfairly.
Attention has now shifted to the ICC and how it will respond to Pakistan's decision to boycott one of the tournament's most anticipated matches. The world cricket governing body's next steps will be closely watched. (Agencies)