In a significant update ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has announced it will not play against India in their crucial group match on February 15. This decision was confirmed by the Government of Pakistan via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, putting an end to the uncertainty about Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament.
Official Statement on Pakistan’s Partial Participation
The statement clarified that while the Pakistan team is allowed to compete in the tournament, they will not participate in the match against India.
“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,” it read.
There was no specific explanation given for the decision to skip this high-profile match.
Context: Bangladesh’s Exit and Tensions
This decision comes after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament on January 24 for opting not to play in India due to security issues. Pakistan was the only nation that openly supported Bangladesh’s request for different venues, which faced criticism from the ICC.
Following Bangladesh’s removal, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized the ICC for what he perceived as double standards favoring India. He mentioned that Pakistan’s involvement would depend on the government’s directive.
After meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a couple of days later, Naqvi suggested that all options were being explored and that a decision would be made “by Friday or next Monday.”
The announcement from the government came just a day before this informal deadline, indicating that Pakistan has chosen to participate in the tournament while opting out of the match against India.
Recently, there had been speculation about Pakistan not withdrawing completely from the World Cup, especially after they announced a squad before the ICC’s deadline. Additionally, a statement indicating a trip to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament, was briefly posted and then removed.
Pakistan’s Group A Matches and Points Impact
Pakistan is in Group A alongside India, Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA. All matches for Pakistan will take place in Sri Lanka, starting with a game against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
By skipping the match against India, Pakistan will miss out on the two points from that game. According to ICC rules, this will adversely affect Pakistan’s net run rate, while India’s will remain unchanged.
Clause 16.10.7 highlights that if a team forfeits, their entire quota of 20 overs will be counted in net run rate calculations, which will penalize Pakistan in the group standings.
