Pakistan to play T20 World Cup but boycotts India clash

Finally, at long last the Pakistan government has announced its decision regarding the national team’s participation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

However, although the Pakistan team received the green signal to take part in the 10th edition of the flagship ICC event, they will not take the field for their group stage match against arch-rivals India, slated for 15 February in Colombo.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” the Pakistan 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.”

Alongside India and Pakistan, Group A also comprises Namibia, the Netherlands and USA.

Pakistan are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Dutch on 7 February before locking horns with the USA on 10 February. Salman Ali Agha’s side will conclude their group phase campaign against Namibia on 18 February with all their matches set to be held in Colombo.