In a stunning decision set to shake world cricket, Pakistan on Sunday confirmed it will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – but will boycott its highly anticipated group-stage match against arch-rival India.
The unprecedented move, announced by the Government of Pakistan, means the Green Shirts will not take the field for the February 15 showdown, one of the tournament’s biggest money-spinning and most-watched fixtures.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” the government said in a statement posted on X.
“However, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”
The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation but delivers a massive blow to the tournament, effectively killing its marquee clash.
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows the ICC’s controversial move to remove Bangladesh from the tournament after Dhaka refused to tour India, citing security concerns.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland on January 24, a move that triggered outrage across the region.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as speculation over a possible full boycott intensified. Naqvi had publicly criticised the ICC’s treatment of Bangladesh, calling it unfair, and warned that Pakistan’s participation was under review.
Although reports suggested the ICC had shifted Pakistan’s matches to Sri Lanka to ensure their involvement, Islamabad’s refusal to face India — even at a neutral venue — marks a historic rupture in bilateral cricketing ties.
The decision is widely seen as political rather than sporting and could result in Pakistan forfeiting points for the match, dealing both competitive and commercial damage to the tournament.
The ICC has yet to issue a formal response.
With one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries effectively sidelined, the T20 World Cup 2026 now faces serious questions over politics, power, and the future of India-Pakistan clashes on the global stage.
Source: Dawn, Geo News