Pakistan announced on Sunday that it will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but will boycott its scheduled group-stage match against India.
Pakistan were due to face India in a Group A match in Colombo on February 15. The decision was officially announced by the Government of Pakistan through its social media platforms.
According to the statement, the decision was taken following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) removal of Bangladesh from the tournament. Bangladesh had requested the ICC to shift its matches from India citing security concerns, but the request was rejected.
“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 government said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The announcement put an end to days of speculation surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. Pakistan had earlier postponed the unveiling of the team’s jersey for the T20 World Cup, with reports suggesting the launch would take place only after a final decision on participation was made.
Former champions Pakistan, who won the tournament in 2009, have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States. Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
