ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday announced it will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play its match with arch-rival India, marking an unprecedented move in international cricket. The decision, approved by the federal government, follows the International Cricket Council’s removal of Bangladesh from the tournament after Dhaka raised security concerns over playing matches in India.
In a statement posted on X, the government confirmed its approval for Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. However, it clarified that the national team will not play the match scheduled against India on February 15, 2026.
Decision linked to Bangladesh exclusion
Government sources said the decision aims to express solidarity with Bangladesh, which was excluded after the ICC declined to relocate its matches. According to officials, Pakistan viewed the ICC’s stance as biased and unfair, particularly toward Bangladesh’s security concerns.
Sources further claimed that Pakistan’s refusal to play India would serve as a form of protest against what they described as partial decision-making within the ICC. They alleged that the organisation’s leadership had compromised principles of fairness and equality by applying different standards to different member countries.
The development comes after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, citing scheduling constraints ahead of the tournament’s February 7 start. The move followed Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request for venue changes after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL, triggering public outrage in Bangladesh.
Captain supports government stance
Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha backed the government’s decision, saying the team would follow instructions from the cricket board. He made the remarks after Pakistan completed a clean sweep against Australia in Lahore.
Under existing arrangements, Pakistan and India play ICC matches at neutral venues. Accordingly, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.
