'Difficult to reconcile': Pakistan to boycott T20 World Cup clash against India
Pakistan will be allowed to take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but must boycott their group game against India, the country's government have confirmed.
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament, which begins this week.
It had already been confirmed that Pakistan would play their matches in Sri Lanka because of ongoing political tensions with India.
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Pakistan's Haris Rauf exchanges words with Indian players. Getty
However, the scheduled match between the two bitter rivals on February 15 will not go ahead after the Pakistani government posted via social media.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” a statement said via X.
“However, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”
No reason was given for Pakistan boycotting the Group A game against India, but PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had criticised governing body ICC for “double standards” by refusing to shift Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh pulled out of the competition and were replaced by Scotland.
Naqvi was vocal in Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh and left the decision of Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup to the government.
Bangladesh will not feature in the T20 World Cup. AP
The ICC have criticised the stance from the Pakistani government and warned against harming "the spirit and sanctity” of the global events.
“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,” the sport's governing body said.
“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."
The ICC said the priority is to organise the event and "expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”
Pakistan’s first match is against the Netherlands on Saturday afternoon (AEDT) before taking on the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
Pakistan players during the series against Australia. Getty
India would receive two points if Pakistan forfeit the game on February 15.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who led the team to a 3-0 win in the three-match T20 series against Australia, said he will follow his government's instructions.
“It’s not our decision, we can’t do anything about it,” Agha said.
"We will do whatever our government and the (PCB) chairman say.”
