Table of Contents
In a major development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan have officially announced that they will not take the field against India in their much-anticipated group-stage match scheduled for February 15. The decision was confirmed through a statement issued by the Government of Pakistan on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, putting an end to days of speculation around Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
Official government statement confirms Pakistan’s partial participation
The government’s post made it clear that while permission has been granted for the Pakistan team to travel and compete in the tournament, an exception has been carved out for the match against India.
“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.
Notably, the announcement did not provide any specific reason for refusing to play the high-profile fixture.
Background: Bangladesh’s exit and rising tensions
Pakistan’s stance comes in the wake of Bangladesh being removed from the tournament on January 24 after refusing to play matches in India due to security concerns. Pakistan were the only nation to openly back Bangladesh’s request for alternate venues, a move that drew sharp criticism of the ICC.
Following Bangladesh’s exclusion, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of double standards that favoured India. Naqvi had stated at the time that Pakistan’s participation would ultimately depend on the government’s decision.
Two days after Bangladesh’s removal, Naqvi met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which he indicated that all options were being considered. Naqvi had suggested a final decision would be made “by Friday or next Monday.”
With the government’s announcement coming a day before that informal deadline, it is now clear that Pakistan have chosen a middle path – participating in the tournament but boycotting only the India fixture.
In recent days, speculation had grown that Pakistan would avoid a complete withdrawal from the World Cup. This belief strengthened after the PCB named a squad within the ICC’s deadline. Additionally, a statement – briefly released and later deleted – suggested Pakistan would travel to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside India.
Also WATCH: Indian captain Ayush Mhatre avoids handshake with Pakistan skipper at toss in U19 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s Group A fixtures and points implications
Pakistan are placed in Group A with India, Namibia, Netherlands and the USA. All of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins on February 7 against the Netherlands, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
By boycotting the India match, Pakistan will forfeit the two points from that fixture. According to the ICC’s Playing Conditions, this forfeiture will also negatively impact Pakistan’s net run rate, while India’s net run rate will remain unaffected.
Clause 16.10.7 states that in case of a forfeit, the defaulting team’s full quota of 20 overs will be counted in net run rate calculations, effectively penalising Pakistan in the group standings.
Also READ: Clinical Pakistan complete dominant 3-0 whitewash over Australia with thumping win in 3rd T20I
