Pakistan to Skip India Match at T20 World Cup Despite Joining Tournament

Pakistan's government has cleared the national cricket team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but declared that the team will not take the field against India in their scheduled Group A encounter on February 15.

"The Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government statement said on Sunday, without specifying reasons for the decision.

ICC Issues Strong Warning

The ICC responded firmly, stating that "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 governing body said, adding it awaited official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The ICC urged the PCB to "consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country."

Bangladesh Expulsion Fueled Tensions

Pakistan's stance hardened after the ICC expelled Bangladesh from the tournament following a deadlock over security concerns about playing in India. Scotland replaced Bangladesh as the highest-ranked available team.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, accused the ICC of double standards. "You can't say for one country they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite," Naqvi stated, demanding Bangladesh's reinstatement.

Financial and Sporting Consequences

By boycotting the India match, Pakistan will forfeit two crucial group stage points. The decision also carries severe financial implications, as India-Pakistan encounters represent the tournament's biggest commercial drawcard.

Pakistan's remaining Group A matches against the Netherlands, Namibia, and the United States will proceed in Sri Lanka as scheduled, with their opener against the Netherlands at Colombo's Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground on Saturday.

The two nations have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 and only meet at multi-nation events under a deal requiring neutral venues when either country hosts ICC tournaments.