New Delhi: The Pakistan cricket team will not play the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup match against India. The high-profile game was scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as per the tournament schedule. However, the Pakistan government has approved the team’s participation in the event with certain conditions.
The official statement from the Pakistan government did not specify the reasons behind the decision. It is widely believed that the Pakistan Cricket Board is boycotting the match against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan team is placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA for the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan will begin their campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested the exclusion of its World Cup matches against India citing security concerns. This request was rejected by the ICC, leading to Bangladesh’s removal from the men’s T20 World Cup. Scotland has replaced Bangladesh in Group C.
On its official social media platform, the Pakistan government stated, “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan permits the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team will not take the field for the match against India on February 15, 2026.”
This week, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. At that time, it was announced that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be made between January 30 and February 2.
The final decision was unexpectedly announced a day earlier, creating a new challenge for the tournament, as India-Pakistan matches generally generate significant revenue.
Pakistan also postponed the launch of their team jersey for the T20 World Cup, which was initially expected to take place after a decision was made about the team’s involvement in the tournament.
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