New Delhi: Pakistan will not play India in their scheduled Men’s T20 World Cup match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, even after the government granted the team conditional approval to participate in the tournament.
The official statement did not give a reason for the decision, but it is widely believed that Pakistan is boycotting the India clash in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were pulled out of the Men’s T20 World Cup after requesting relocation of their matches out of India citing security concerns. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in Group C.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 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 15th February 2026 against India,” the government said on its official X account.
Earlier this week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, announcing that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be taken on either January 30 or February 2. However, the government issued its verdict a day earlier, creating fresh uncertainty for the tournament, especially given the commercial revenue associated with the India-Pakistan marquee clash.
Pakistan had also postponed the team’s jersey reveal for the Men’s T20 World Cup, which was expected to be held once a final decision on their participation was announced.
The 2009 edition winners are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Led by captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will begin their campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo.
With IANS inputs