Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan will not play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stating that the decision was taken after extensive consultations and careful consideration.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said that sports should remain free from political influence, but stressed that Pakistan’s stance was driven by principles and solidarity. He added that Pakistan stood firmly with Bangladesh over recent developments involving the tournament.
Pakistan had earlier decided to boycott the February 15 match against arch-rivals India after the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Bangladesh from the competition. The ICC took the step after rejecting the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to shift its matches to a neutral venue outside India, citing scheduling constraints so close to the tournament’s February 7 start date. Bangladesh was subsequently replaced by Scotland.
Government sources said Pakistan’s decision was influenced by what it described as the ICC’s biased approach, particularly towards Bangladesh. They revealed that the national team was directed not to take the field against India as a form of protest.
The sources further alleged that decisions taken under ICC chairman Jay Shah undermined fairness and equality, accusing the global body of applying different standards to different member nations.
In response, the ICC expressed hope that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would work towards a mutually acceptable resolution, warning that the boycott could negatively impact the sport and its global fanbase.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s national team is currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from February 7 to March 8.