Pakistan has made its stand clear ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly confirmed that Pakistan will not play its group-stage match against India national cricket team, saying the government stands “with Bangladesh” and wants sports kept free from politics.
The statement ends days of speculation over whether Pakistan would fully withdraw or partially participate in the tournament. The decision: play the event, skip India.
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What the Prime Minister said
Addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, Sharif said the government had discussed the matter in detail before taking a final call.
He reiterated that cricket should not be influenced by political disputes but insisted Pakistan’s position was about “fairness” after Bangladesh’s exit from the competition.
“We have taken a clear stand that we will not play the match against India,” he said, adding that Pakistan supports Bangladesh and believes the decision is justified.
It’s a rare moment where political leadership has directly shaped a sporting fixture — and it’s already stirring debate across cricket circles.
Why Pakistan is protesting
The controversy began when Bangladesh national cricket team refused to travel to India for its matches, citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council conducted an independent review and reportedly found no credible threat.
After Bangladesh declined to reconsider, the ICC replaced them with Scotland national cricket team in the tournament draw.
Pakistan felt the decision was harsh and politically loaded.
Soon after, Mohsin Naqvi, chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, warned that Pakistan might pull out of the event entirely. Multiple meetings between the PCB and the Prime Minister followed, leading to a compromise — participate, but boycott the India game.
ICC’s response
The ICC hasn’t taken the move lightly.
In an official statement earlier this week, the governing body urged Pakistan to reconsider, warning the decision could have “long-term implications” for cricket in the country.
However, Pakistan has not yet formally written to the ICC. Officials say discussions are continuing behind the scenes, suggesting the situation could still change.
Group A situation
Both India and Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside Namibia national cricket team, Netherlands national cricket team and United States national cricket team.
The high-voltage India–Pakistan clash was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo — traditionally one of the biggest draws of any ICC event, often pulling record TV and streaming numbers.
If the boycott goes ahead, it could impact scheduling, points allocation and even broadcasting revenues.
Meanwhile, India recently beat South Africa national cricket team in a warm-up match in Navi Mumbai, while Pakistan’s practice game against Ireland national cricket team was washed out in Colombo.’
Bigger picture
India–Pakistan cricket matches are more than just sport — they’re global events. Stadiums sell out in minutes, and broadcasters bank heavily on the rivalry.
So a no-show isn’t just symbolic; it could ripple across the tournament’s competitive balance and commercial ecosystem.
For now, Pakistan’s message is simple: they’re playing the World Cup, but drawing a line at one match. Whether that stance holds or softens under ICC pressure is something fans will be watching closely.
