Pakistan to boycott February 15 T20 World Cup match against India

NEW DELHI: Pakistan will not take the field against India at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Government of Pakistan confirmed in an official statement on X.

While granting permission for the national team to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament, the government said Pakistan would boycott the group-stage match against India scheduled for February 15 2026, without specifying the reason for the decision.


Both sides were set to clash in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in a Group A fixture.

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“The government of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the World T20 2026, however the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India,” read the statement.

TimesofIndia.com understands that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to play the February 15 fixture.


The ICC later released a strong statement in response to Pakistan's decision to boycott the tournament.

"The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026," read ICC's statement.

"While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.

"ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.

"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 ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.

"The ICC's priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders."

Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup came under a cloud after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi raised doubts following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament on January 24 due to security concerns in India.

Pakistan was the only nation to support Bangladesh’s request for a neutral venue and accused the ICC of applying double standards in India’s favour. Naqvi had maintained that the final decision would be taken by the government.

Two days later, after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi said he had been advised to keep all options open, with a call expected by “Friday or next Monday.”


Pakistan is set to travel to Colombo on Monday. They will play their only warm-up match against Ireland on February 4 in Colombo.

The Salman Ali Agha-led team will start its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by the United States of America on February 10, and Namibia on February 18.

Pakistan will forfeit two points from their match against India if they choose to boycott the fixture.


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