Pakistan allow T20 World Cup participation but boycott India match
The decision followed a meeting last Monday between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, amid speculation that Pakistan could boycott the tournament after Bangladesh’s withdrawal.
The government of Pakistan decided on Sunday to allow its men's cricket team to participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but confirmed it will boycott the match against India scheduled for February 15.
"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," said a post from the Pakistan government's official X account.
The decision followed a meeting last Monday between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, amid speculation that Pakistan could boycott the tournament after Bangladesh's withdrawal.
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After the meeting, Naqvi said he had briefed the prime minister on the "International Cricket Council (ICC) matter" and that a "final decision would be taken either on Friday or next Monday".
Questions over Pakistan's participation grew after the ICC decided to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland on January 24 after refusing to tour India, citing safety concerns amid strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries.
