The Pakistan government has confirmed that the Pakistan cricket team will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, but won’t play the India match in Colombo on February 15.
No IND vs PAK match in T20 World Cup
Following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially threatened to pull out of the event in solidarity. However, after discussions, they’ve decided to play the T20 World Cup but boycott the India match.
“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 of Pakistan stated.
Pakistan will have to forfeit two points from the India game, which could affect their T20 World Cup campaign.
Accusing ICC of double standards
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as Pakistan’s Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control, had called out the International Cricket Council (ICC) for double standards. He argued that India was allowed to play the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, for which Pakistan was the host, but Bangladesh wasn’t given the same treatment for the T20 World Cup.
Following this, he held discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Following his decision, the boycott reports had emerged. Naqvi informed that the final decision will be announced by February 2. Most assumed PCB was making a bluff, but they have made the bold move, despite concerns of massive pushback via monetary losses from the ICC.
Team Pakistan is expected to land in Colombo on February 2, two days after which they’ll face Ireland in a warm-up match.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
| Date | Match | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb 4 | 9th Match, Warm-up | Ireland vs Pakistan | Colombo, Sinhalese Sports Club | 11:30 AM |
| Sat, Feb 7 | 1st Match, Group A | Pakistan vs Netherlands | Colombo, Sinhalese Sports Club | 11:00 AM |
| Tue, Feb 10 | 12th Match, Group A | Pakistan vs USA | Colombo, Sinhalese Sports Club | 7:00 PM |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 27th Match, Group A | India vs Pakistan | Colombo, R. Premadasa Stadium | 7:00 PM |
| Wed, Feb 18 | 35th Match, Group A | Pakistan vs Namibia | Colombo, Sinhalese Sports Club | 3:00 PM |
