The Pakistani government has given its approval for the team to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but has categorically refused to play against India.
This decision comes at a time when fans are keeping a close eye on IPL 2026, team combinations, player form, and upcoming major tournaments.
The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan has been placed in Group A along with India, USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.
According to the schedule, the India-Pakistan match was to be played on February 15, 2026, but Pakistan will now not take the field for that match.
Pakistan officially boycotts India clash
The official statement from the Pakistani government clearly states: “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.”
This decision could completely change the points table and group dynamics. India is likely to get a walkover in this match, which will directly impact the race for the semi-finals.
Pakistan will play its first match against the Netherlands on February 7, its second against the USA on February 10, and will face Namibia on February 18.
Cricket experts believe that this decision will not be limited to just the T20 World Cup. It could also affect several foreign coaching staff of Pakistani origin playing in IPL 2026, league diplomacy, and future ICC events.
This is also a major blow for those making Dream11 predictions and fantasy tips, as the India vs Pakistan match is always considered a high-scoring affair.
PCB keeps ICC in the dark about boycott
According to an India Today report, the PCB has not yet officially informed the ICC about this decision.
The report states: “The International Cricket Council is yet to give an official word on the development. ICC sources told India Today that the board was not aware of any official word on this.” According to CNN-News18, this decision was made in support of Bangladesh.
The report stated: “Pakistan’s decision is in solidarity with Bangladesh being dropped from the tournament after they decided against travelling to India.”
When Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was asked about the issue, he clearly stated: “It is not our decision, sir, we can’t do anything about it. We will only do what our chairman and the government tell us.”
This entire incident has sparked intense debate among the cricket community, on Q&A forums, and among match prediction and fantasy users.
Everyone will be closely watching the ICC’s stance, schedule updates, and changes to the points table in the coming days.
