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The Government of Pakistan has cleared the national cricket team to take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but it has also made a historic decision to bar the team from playing its group-stage match against India on February 15. The tournament begins in early February, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan’s fixtures scheduled mainly in Colombo.
In a statement on the government’s official X account, officials said Pakistan would compete in the World Cup but would not take the field against India in the highly anticipated match on February 15. This decision immediately sparked reaction across cricketing circles, given the enormous financial and sporting significance of an India-Pakistan showdown.
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 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the government’s direction and acknowledged that the team will still participate in the event. The move appears linked to broader political and diplomatic pressures, including Pakistan’s vocal support for Bangladesh’s boycott of matches in India earlier this cycle over security concerns. Cricket figures within Pakistan had pushed for some form of protest after the ICC refused a venue change for Bangladesh.
Pakistan is in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA, playing all their matches in Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament. They face the Netherlands on February 7, the USA on February 10, and Namibia on February 18. If Pakistan boycotts the India match, they will forfeit the two points, and their net run rate will be affected, while India’s will remain unchanged, according to ICC rules.
However, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif believes Pakistan should have taken a clear stance much earlier. He also said that if Pakistan and India reach the final, Pakistan should refuse to play that match.
Cricket fans worldwide know that India‑Pakistan matches generate massive viewership and revenue. In the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, nearly half of the tournament’s total revenue comes from this fixture, meaning Pakistan’s decision not to play could cause a significant financial loss for the ICC, India, broadcasters, and Indian companies tied to the event.
Historically, teams have boycotted matches without severe penalties. In 1996, Australia and the West Indies skipped their World Cup games in Sri Lanka due to security concerns, and in 2003, England refused to play in Zimbabwe. While these teams lost points, they were not fined for their boycotts.
