Pakistan’s decision to boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India is being described as a political protest against alleged bias by the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to a report by Geo News. The move comes just days before the two arch-rivals were scheduled to face off on February 15 in Colombo.
What triggered the boycott
The Pakistan men’s team, led by Salman Agha, has received clearance to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament after weeks of uncertainty. However, Pakistani authorities have reportedly instructed the team not to play the India match as a form of protest over the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s participation.
“The principles of justice and equality have been shattered by biased decisions,” Geo News quoted a source as saying, adding that the decision applies only to the India fixture and not the entire tournament.
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Bangladesh issue at the centre
Pakistani officials are said to be unhappy with how the ICC dealt with Bangladesh’s request to avoid playing matches in India due to security concerns. After Bangladesh declined to travel, the ICC replaced them with Scotland in the 20-team competition.
That decision appears to have sparked anger in Islamabad, eventually leading to the call for Pakistan to forfeit the India game.
What it means for India and Pakistan
If Pakistan does not take the field on February 15, India — led by Suryakumar Yadav — will be awarded two points due to a forfeit. For Pakistan, the decision carries sporting and administrative risks.
The match was scheduled at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka under an agreement involving the International Cricket Council, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Skipping the game could expose Pakistan to possible ICC sanctions.
Team schedule remains unchanged
Despite the controversy, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign is set to begin as planned. The squad will leave for Colombo on February 2 and play a warm-up match against Ireland on February 4.
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. Their opening match is against the Netherlands on February 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium, followed by games against Namibia on February 10 and the United States on February 18.
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Players to follow official instructions
After Pakistan’s recent T20I series win against Australia, Salman Agha made it clear that players have no role in the decision-making process regarding the India match.
“We will follow whatever instructions come from the PCB and the government,” he said, adding that missing a key group game could hurt Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the shortest format, where margins are already tight.
Whether the boycott stands or last-minute talks change the situation remains to be seen. For now, the cricket world is bracing for the possibility of a T20 World Cup without its biggest rivalry taking centre stage.
