PTI, Karachi — Updated Feb 5, 2026
Pakistan has said it will boycott its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group match against India while still competing in the rest of the tournament, which begins on February 7. An official government social media post granted the national team permission to take part in the ICC World T20 2026 but directed that Pakistan “shall not take the field” for the February 15 match against India in Colombo.
The boycott is widely interpreted as a political protest following the International Cricket Council’s decision to exclude Bangladesh after the board there requested moving its matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds. The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, a move that triggered strong reactions in Pakistan’s sporting and political circles. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier signalled it would reassess participation in solidarity with Bangladesh, while several former players and officials cautioned against steps that could harm Pakistan cricket.
If Pakistan refuses to play, the fixture would be recorded as a walkover and India would be awarded full points. The ICC also retains the right to impose financial penalties on the PCB. Pakistan opens its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, then faces the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18; all group matches are scheduled at the SSC ground in Colombo.
A source close to the PCB said Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will brief the media soon. It remains unclear whether the government’s directive was issued with the PCB’s agreement, and no clarification has been given about how a potential India–Pakistan meeting in the knockout stages would be handled. India–Pakistan matches are among the most watched in ICC events and generate significant broadcast and sponsorship revenue; the teams met three times in last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE.
