Decision taken after consultation between PM, PCB Chief; The team will not take the field in the meeting on February 15
Shaheen Shah Afridi, right, of Pakistan talks with Abhishek Sharma of India and Shubman Gill of India during the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Dubai, UAE. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan will participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but will not take the field in the much-anticipated match against India on February 15, the government announced on Sunday, confirming a politically sensitive decision ahead of the global tournament.
The announcement on the government’s official X account follows extensive discussions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It did not elaborate on the reasons for boycotting India’s match.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan gives approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan cricket team will not take the field in the match scheduled on February 15, 2026 against India,” the statement said.
The announcement also did not clarify the implications if both Pakistan and India advance to the knockout stage and have to play each other, leaving organizers and broadcasters in a state of uncertainty.
Observers noted that despite withdrawing from the India match – and losing the match points – Pakistan’s participation in the rest of the tournament signals a calibrated approach, avoiding a full boycott while asserting a political stance.
Experts said the boycott of the India match reflects both long-standing geopolitical tensions and recent developments in the organization of the tournament, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
The mega event is already under pressure following the replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland in the competition. Bangladesh had requested a change of venue for its matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, prompting Pakistan to express solidarity with Dhaka. Bangladesh’s withdrawal and Scotland’s inclusion intensified the debate about governance, fairness and security arrangements in international cricket.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign now begins against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan has historically been the sport’s marquee. Their meetings are traditionally the ICC’s most commercially significant matches, and Pakistan’s refusal to play in this tournament could have both financial and competitive implications.
Analysts warn that the ICC may have to revise points awarding, scheduling or even contingency plans for knockout scenarios if the two sides meet later in the tournament.
Since 2012, India has refused to play Pakistan bilaterally. The two sides now only face each other in multi-nation events. Pakistan last toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and a three-match ODI series in 2012, while India have not toured Pakistan since 2008.
The most recent Asia Cup in 2025 illustrated further tensions, with India defeating Pakistan in three encounters, including the final, but refusing customary handshakes and trophy presentations.
To accommodate political sensitivities, the ICC approved a hybrid model for matches involving India and Pakistan, stipulating that matches hosted by both countries during the 2024–2027 rights cycle would be played at neutral venues.
This arrangement applies to the Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Women’s ODI World Cup in India, Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Pakistan. For the current tournament, Pakistan’s matches have been shifted to Sri Lanka.
The decision to boycott the India match was influenced by Pakistan’s wider protest against inequities in ICC decisions, particularly regarding Bangladesh. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized the governing body’s handling of the venue dispute and the removal of Bangladesh from the tournament.
Financial considerations are significant. The India-Pakistan match is the highest revenue generating game of the tournament and Pakistan’s withdrawal could result in lost points as well as lost commercial income.
ICC response
The ICC issued a statement saying that Pakistan’s decision to participate selectively in the World Cup “is difficult to reconcile with the basic premise of a global sporting event”, noting that it is awaiting a formal communication from the PCB.
“Tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness. Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” it said, urging the PCB to consider the long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan and its role in the global cricket ecosystem.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” the governing body added.
The ICC emphasized that the successful delivery of the T20 World Cup is a responsibility shared by all member boards. The ICC called for a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan squad announced at the end of January remains unchanged for the tournament and the players are preparing for matches in Colombo. The Group A schedule includes the Netherlands, USA and Namibia, with the top two teams progressing to the Super Eight stage.
PCB and government sources stress that the team’s preparation and participation in these matches remains a priority, with hopes of a strong campaign and potential title contention.
The tournament, which features 20 teams and runs from February 7 to March 8, is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka for the second time after similar events in 2016 and 2012. Previous winners include India (2007, 2024), England (2010, 2022), Pakistan (2009), (20201ri Lanka), (20124ri Lanka), (2009), Sri Lanka and Australia.
(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)
