In a major development ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Pakistan have officially announced that they will not be taking the field against India in their much-awaited group-stage match on February 15. The decision was confirmed by the Pakistan government through a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, ending days of speculation regarding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
Official government statement confirms Pakistan’s partial involvement
The government’s post made it clear that while the Pakistan team has been allowed to travel and compete in the tournament, an exception has been made for the match against India.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has approved the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan cricket team will not take the field in the match against India to be held on 15 February 2026.” Read the statement.
Notably, the announcement did not cite any specific reason for refusing to play the high-profile match.
Background: Bangladesh’s exit and rising tensions
Pakistan’s stance comes after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament on January 24 after refusing to play matches in India due to security concerns. Pakistan was the only country to openly support Bangladesh’s request for alternative venues, a move which was sharply criticized by the ICC.
After Bangladesh’s exit, Pakistan Cricket Board President Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of double standards favoring India. Naqvi had said at the time that Pakistan’s participation would ultimately depend on the government’s decision.
Two days after Bangladesh’s ouster, Naqvi met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which he indicated that all options were being considered. Naqvi had suggested that the final decision would be taken “By Friday or next Monday.”
With the government’s announcement coming a day before that unofficial deadline, it is now clear that Pakistan has chosen the middle path – participating in the tournament but boycotting only India’s matches.
In recent times, speculation had increased that Pakistan would avoid a complete withdrawal from the World Cup. This belief was further strengthened after the PCB announced the squad within the ICC deadline. Additionally, a statement – ​​released briefly and later deleted – suggested that Pakistan would travel to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India.
Pakistan’s Group A fixtures and points implications
Pakistan has been placed in Group A along with India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA. All the matches of Pakistan are to be played in Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins against Netherlands on 7 February, followed by matches against USA on 10 February and Namibia on 18 February.
With India boycotting the match, Pakistan would lose two points from that match. According to the ICC playing conditions, the forfeiture will also have a negative impact on Pakistan’s net run rate, while India’s net run rate will remain unaffected.
Clause 16.10.7 states that in the event of a forfeit, the defaulting team’s entire quota of 20 overs will be counted towards the net run rate calculations, effectively penalizing Pakistan in the group standings.
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