Pakistan will boycott the T20 World Cup match with India on Feb 15, 2026. A Government of Pakistan Tweet (X) on 2 February, 2026, says, ” 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 decision seems to be in solidarity with Bangladesh over security fears of playing in India and being ousted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the issue. The T20 World Cup is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka with 20 countries participating.
Pakistan will loose two points for not playing with India but will play matches with other countries.
In a media statement ICC has said ‘selective participation’ by Pakistan will ‘ impact the global cricket ecosystem’.
Speaking to ANI, former Cricketer Madan Lal said, “I think the Pakistan government or PCB, they are all damaging their own cricket. It’s not going to solve their problems. Someone has to be there to think right. They are not thinking right at the moment. They want to support Bangladesh. You keep on supporting Bangladesh. That’s not our business. At the end of the day, Bangladesh is going to suffer, and Pakistan is going to suffer… The main thing is New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, they are the biggest countries for cricket, they’re going to get the crowds, they’re going to get all the sponsorship…”
Full ICC statement:
“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.
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.”
Sources –
