Pakistan’s cricket team cleared to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but it not play its match against India, according to the government of Pakistan.
“The Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled for 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement said. The statement did not explain why Pakistan would skip the group match.
Pakistan Boycott India for T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament became uncertain after Bangladesh removed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to a logistical deadlock. Following Pakistan’s announcement, the ICC issued a statement saying that “selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in national policy matters, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it said, adding that it awaited official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Why ICC expels Bangladesh?
The ICC expelled Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced them with Scotland because of a deadlock over security concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding playing in India. The PCB quickly supported Bangladesh and stated it would not make a “final decision” this coming week on its team’s participation in the month-long tournament starting on Saturday.
PCB Chairman MohsinNaqvi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week to discuss the issue, but did not clarify if Pakistan would attend the tournament. “It was agreed that the final decision taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, said.
All of Pakistan’s World Cup matches scheduled in Sri Lanka due to the strained relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Read also: Delhi Car Blast Probe Reveals Terror Module Targeted Global Coffee Chain