Pakistan to play T20 World Cup 2026, skip clash against India
Cricket
According to sources, while clearance has been granted for Pakistan’s overall participation in the mega event, decision regarding match against India has been taken in view of prevailing situation.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Pakistani government has approved the national cricket team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team will not take the field for its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting today with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during which consultations were held regarding participation in the T20 World Cup.
After detailed deliberations, a statement issued by the Government of Pakistan said that the Pakistan cricket team will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup; however, the team will not take the field in its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026.
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.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 1, 2026
It is noteworthy that the government has decided not to play against India as a protest, expressing solidarity with Bangladesh.
Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected all reservations raised by Bangladesh and excluded the team from the event, replacing it with Scotland in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s stance reflects its long-standing position of separating sports from bilateral political disputes, particularly in matches involving India.
Pakistan whitewash Australia with 111-run win in third T20I
In recent years, encounters between the two sides have largely been limited to ICC and multinational tournaments, with bilateral series remaining suspended.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to feature top international teams, with Pakistan entering the tournament as one of the former champions and strong contenders.
Captain supports government’s decision
“We are heading to the World Cup,” Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha stated, adding, “We will follow whatever instructions are given by our cricket board.”
Agha made these remarks during a post-match press conference today, after Pakistan defeated Australia in the third and final T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Regarding Pakistan’s decision to skip the match against India, he emphasized: “The choice not to play against India was made by the government.”
