ISLAMABAD (AP):
The Pakistan cricket team will be allowed to take part in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup but will have to boycott the group game against India, the Pakistan government said yesterday.
India and Sri Lanka will host the 20-nation tournament starting on Saturday.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan gives permission to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” the government said on its official X account. “However, the Pakistan Cricket Team will not take the field in the match scheduled for 15th February 2026 against India.”
Pakistan will play all its games in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with India.
No reason was given for Pakistan’s boycott of the Group A game against India, but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized governing body ICC for “double standards” by refusing to move Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh replaced Scotland in the tournament.
Naqvi openly expressed Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh and left the decision of Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup to the government when he briefed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the issue.
ICC CRITICISM OF THE DECISION
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement that it was awaiting official communication from the PCB regarding the planned boycott, while warning against damaging the “spirit and sanctity” of global events.
“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams must compete on a level playing field in accordance with the competition schedule,” the ICC said.
“While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the best interests of the global game or the well-being of fans around the world, including millions in Pakistan.”
The ICC said its priority is the successful organization of the T20 World Cup and “expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that will protect the interests of all stakeholders.”
Pakistan’s first match will be against the Netherlands on Saturday. They will next face the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
India will get two points if Pakistan loses the game.
The Pakistan-India tournament match generates huge interest and is a significant source of income for the ICC through broadcasters and sponsors.
Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral cricket series in the last 14 years, but both countries have been drawn into the same group at any ICC event since 2012.