Image Source: X
Pakistan has officially confirmed its participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, the Pakistan cricket team will not play its scheduled match against India on February 15. The decision has been approved by the Pakistani government and has created strong reactions across the cricketing world.
Pakistan Will Play the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier stated that the final decision on playing the World Cup would be taken by the government. The Pakistani government has now granted permission to the national team to compete in the tournament.
An official statement shared from the government’s X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed that Pakistan will take part in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan will boycott the match against India
Image Source: X
While allowing participation in the tournament, the government has also permitted the team to boycott the high-profile match against India scheduled for February 15.
The India vs Pakistan clash is widely regarded as the biggest match of the tournament, drawing huge global viewership. Its absence is expected to significantly impact fan interest and tournament excitement.
Earlier Threat to Withdraw From World Cup
Before the government’s final decision, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had warned that Pakistan could withdraw from the T20 World Cup. He made this statement in support of Bangladesh, which was involved in a dispute with the ICC.
Following these remarks, the ICC reportedly issued a warning to the PCB, after which Naqvi clarified that the matter would be decided at the government level.
Bangladesh Controversy Explained
The controversy began when the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested that all of its matches be played in Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for its players in India. The ICC rejected this request.
Bangladesh refused to change its stance, leading the ICC to remove the team from the tournament and replace it with Scotland. This decision was strongly criticized by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who claimed Bangladesh had been treated unfairly.
Image Source: X
Government Decision After PM Meeting
Mohsin Naqvi met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on January 26 to discuss the issue. At that time, the decision was postponed. The government has now finalized its position, allowing Pakistan to play the tournament but not the match against India.
Impact on the Cricket World
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. The India-Pakistan encounter is one of the biggest attractions in world cricket, and its cancellation is expected to affect broadcasters, sponsors, and fans worldwide.
Also Read: Can ICC Force Pakistan to Play India? ICC Rules Explained T20 WC 2026
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