Pakistan on Sunday officially announced it will boycott its high-profile ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, while confirming participation in the rest of the tournament starting February 7. The decision, cleared by the Pakistan government, is being viewed as a protest after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav (right) and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during their match at the Asia Cup in Dubai last year. Pic/AFP
Pakistan on Sunday formally announced its decision to boycott its marquee ICC T20 World Cup group league match against India, even as the government cleared the national team’s participation for the rest of the tournament, starting February 7.
Pakistan government’s decision is being perceived as a mark of protest after ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland not accepting the latter’s demand of shifting its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security reasons.
In a statement posted on its verified social media handle, the government of Pakistan said it has granted approval to the Pakistan cricket team to take part in the tournament but said the team “shall not take the field” for the Feb 15 fixture against India in Colombo.
The decision brings an end to days of speculation over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“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 posted on social media.
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