Pakistan will take part in this month’s T20 World Cup but will refuse to play their scheduled group match against India, escalating a political dispute that has already reshaped the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened a withdrawal after Bangladesh were removed from the competition for declining to play fixtures in India, citing political tensions and security concerns. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi last week accused the International Cricket Council of double standards and favouritism towards India, saying a decision would be taken following discussions with the Pakistani government.
That decision has now been confirmed. Pakistan will remain in the tournament but will not contest the match against India in Colombo on Sunday February 15.
What sanctions may follow remains unclear. Under regulations used in previous ICC tournaments, the fixture would either be treated as a concession or awarded to India. Existing playing conditions indicate that Pakistan’s net run rate would be affected by forfeiture, while India’s would not.
Confirmation came via a statement issued by the Pakistan government on Sunday. A post on X read:
“The government… 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 February 15, 2026 against India.”
Pakistan, who won the T20 World Cup in 2009 and have twice finished runners up, will fulfil their remaining Group A fixtures against Netherlands on February 7, USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
India and Pakistan are routinely drawn in the same World Cup group due to the commercial value and global viewership of the fixture, which is widely regarded as the most lucrative matchup in international cricket. The two nations have not met outside ICC events since 2013, with India having last toured Pakistan in 2008.
All of Pakistan’s matches at the tournament will be staged in Sri Lanka, including any potential semi final or final appearances.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal opened the door for Scotland, the highest ranked side not previously qualified, who now join England, West Indies, Nepal and tournament debutants Italy in Group C.
The ICC has expressed concern over Pakistan’s position and said it hoped a resolution could still be reached.
In a statement, the governing body said: “The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.
“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.
“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”