Pakistan Boycotts T20 World Cup Match Against India in Protest
Lahore- Pakistan has officially declared its decision to boycott the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup group stage match against India. However, the national team has received clearance from the government to participate in the remainder of the tournament scheduled to kick off on February 7.
The Pakistani government’s stance is viewed as a form of protest following the International Cricket Council’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland, refusing the former’s request to move its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
In a statement released on its verified social media platform, the Pakistani government announced that it has authorized the Pakistan cricket team to compete in the tournament. Nevertheless, the team will not be taking the field for the clash against India on February 15 in Colombo.
This resolution ends the speculation surrounding Pakistan’s involvement in the event, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, amidst escalated political tensions in the region.
“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 announced on social media.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier stated that the final decision regarding the team’s participation would be determined in light of Bangladesh’s exclusion from the competition.
