Pakistan will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but it will not play its match against India on February 15, the government confirmed on Sunday.
In a post on its X account, the government said:
“The Government of Pakistan grants approval for the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on February 15 against India.”
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.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 1, 2026
The decision followed a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This comes amid a wider controversy involving Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament and replaced by Scotland. Pakistan had criticized the ICC for inconsistent treatment.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The Pakistan–India match is normally the tournament’s biggest commercial draw, and skipping it could force the ICC to revise the schedule or points allocation.
Pakistan will begin its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
By skipping only the India match, Pakistan is taking a calibrated approach rather than a full boycott, balancing cricketing commitments with political considerations.