Pakistan to Boycott India T20 World Cup Match Over Bangladesh’s Controversial Ousting

ICC Says Selective Participation Undermines Spirit and Integrity of Competition

Pakistan to play T20 World Cup 2026 matches at neutral venues

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricket team has been cleared to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but will withdraw from the high-stakes India clash on February 15 in protest against the ICC’s controversial decision to unjustly remove Bangladesh from the tournament.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026," the government said in a post on X.

"...however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India."

The development occurs amid a broader Bangladesh controversy, which has already cast a shadow over the tournament. Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced by Scotland, a decision that drew criticism from several quarters, including Pakistan, over what was described as inconsistent treatment by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The issue follows a meeting last week between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” said Naqvi.

If Pakistan boycott their match against India, they will forfeit two points. Pakistan’s participation in the tournament was thrown into uncertainty after Bangladesh were ousted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a logistical deadlock.

Following Pakistan’s announcement, the ICC said in a statement that “selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions”.

“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it said, adding that it awaited official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.”

The BCB had sought the change following the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the instructions of the Indian cricket board, a move that sparked widespread outrage in Bangladesh.

However, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament on Saturday, stating that it was not feasible to revise the schedule so close to the February 7 start of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, under an existing arrangement between Pakistan and India, the Men in Green will play any ICC fixtures, including their T20 World Cup matches, at neutral venues. For the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan's matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.