Pakistan will not play India in T20 World Cup

Pakistan will participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 but will not take the field in the highly 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 deliberations between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It did not elaborate on the reasons behind boycotting India's match.

"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 said.

The announcement also did not clarify the implications if both Pakistan and India advance to the knockout stage and have to play against each other, leaving organisers and broadcasters in a state of uncertainty.

Observers noted that, despite withdrawing from the India fixture — and forfeiting the match points — Pakistan's participation in the remainder of the tournament signals a calibrated approach, avoiding a full boycott while asserting a political stance.

Experts said boycotting the India match reflects both longstanding geopolitical tensions and recent developments in the organisation of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

The mega event is already under strain 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 debate over governance, fairness, and security arrangements in international cricket.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign will now begin against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

The India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry has historically been the sport's marquee fixture. Their encounters are traditionally the ICC's most commercially significant matches, and Pakistan's refusal to play in this tournament could have both financial and competitive ramifications.

Analysts warn that the ICC may need to revisit points allocation, scheduling, or even contingency plans for knockout-stage scenarios should the two sides meet later in the tournament.

Since 2012, India has refused to play Pakistan bilaterally. The two sides now face each other only in multi-nation events. Pakistan last toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and a three-match ODI series in 2012, while India has not toured Pakistan since 2008.

The most recent Asia Cup in 2025 further illustrated 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 fixtures hosted by either country during the 2024-2027 rights cycle would be played at neutral venues.

This arrangement applies to the men's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the women's ODI World Cup in India, the men's T20 World Cup 2026, and the women's T20 World Cup 2028 in Pakistan. For the current tournament, Pakistan's matches are relocated to Sri Lanka.

The decision to boycott the India match was influenced by Pakistan's broader protest against inequities in ICC decisions, particularly regarding Bangladesh. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticised 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 tournament's highest revenue-generating game, and Pakistan's withdrawal could result in forfeited points as well as lost commercial income.

ICC response

The ICC issued a statement saying that Pakistan's decision to selectively participate in the World Cup "is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event", noting that it awaits 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 governments' roles 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 stressed that successful delivery of the T20 World Cup is a responsibility shared by all member boards. The ICC encouraged a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan squad, announced in late January, remains unchanged for the tournament, and players are preparing for matches in Colombo. The Group A schedule includes the Netherlands, the United States, and Namibia, with the top two teams advancing to the Super Eight stage.

PCB and government sources emphasise that the team's preparation and participation in these matches remain a priority, with hopes of a strong campaign and potential title contention.

The tournament, featuring 20 teams and running from February 7 to March 8, is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka for the second time, following similar arrangements in 2016 and 2012. Past winners include India (2007, 2024), England (2010, 2022), Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021).

(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)