Pakistan will boycott their high-profile clash against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15, after the decision was approved by the Pakistan government.
In a statement posted on the government’s official X account, Islamabad confirmed that the Pakistan cricket team had been granted permission to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament. However, he clarified that the team “will not take the field” against India, without specifying the reasons for the decision.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi repeatedly threatening a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh following the latter’s withdrawal from the tournament. Naqvi had earlier indicated that a final call would be taken by January 30 or February 2.
The controversy intensified after the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 20-team tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had refused to travel to India, citing security concerns, and requested that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka. Following an independent security assessment, the ICC found “no credible or verifiable threat” and refused to change the schedule.
With Bangladesh’s withdrawal, Scotland were drafted into Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy. The Scottish team qualified as the second highest ranked T20I team and currently sit 14th in the world, ahead of several teams already in the tournament.
Bangladesh were initially scheduled to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Their withdrawal marks the first time that the men’s T20 World Cup will be held without Bangladesh, who had participated in every edition since the tournament began in 2007.
The ICC reiterated that changes to venues or schedules were not feasible, noting that the schedule was released in November 2025 and the event was too close to the start for major changes.
