Published on: Feb 2, 2026 5:28 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 2, 2026 5:31 pm IST
In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan has officially decided to forfeit its high-profile group stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The decision, announced by the Pakistan government via its official X account, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, marking a rare political intervention in one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries.
The announcement came on February 1, with the Pakistan government stating:
“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.”
While the statement did not specify a reason, the boycott is widely seen as a response to the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s earlier withdrawal from the tournament. Bangladesh had refused to play in India, citing security concerns, and was subsequently removed from the event. Pakistan, which had vocally supported Bangladesh’s request for alternate venues, accused the ICC of double standards and favoritism towards India.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had hinted at the possibility of a partial boycott in the days leading up to the announcement. After meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi stated that all options were being considered, including skipping the India match. The PCB later named its squad for the tournament and confirmed participation in other group games, indicating that a full withdrawal was unlikely.
Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, Netherlands, USA, and Namibia. All of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament. Their campaign begins on February 7 against the Netherlands, followed by fixtures against the USA (Feb 10) and Namibia (Feb 18). The forfeiture of the India match means Pakistan will lose two points and suffer a hit to their net run rate, as per ICC Playing Conditions Clause 16.10.7. India, meanwhile, will be awarded a walkover win with 2 crucial points and no impact on their own net run rate.
The relationship between the two countries has never been on the brighter side. Their cricketing ties took a massive jolt when the cricket boards of the two nations decided to forfeit any sort of bilateral series between them after 2012. The two teams only locked horns during ICC events or the ACC-organized Asia Cup. The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup drew a lot of drama as the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players not once, not twice, but on all three occasions when the two teams collided in the tournament, including the final.
That was India’s response to Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack, which the latter conducted earlier in 2025. The rise of geopolitical tensions has accentuated the distastefulness in the cricketing ties between the two nations, and Pakistan’s boycott in this T20 World Cup for the match against India was more or less brimming after what unfolded in the Asia Cup 2025.
The India-Pakistan clash is traditionally the most-watched fixture in any ICC event, drawing millions of viewers and generating massive commercial interest. Since 2012, the ICC has ensured both teams are placed in the same group to guarantee at least one encounter. The 2026 edition now becomes the first men’s ICC tournament since 2010 without an India-Pakistan group stage match.
The boycott has disappointed fans across the globe, especially in the subcontinent, where cricket is deeply intertwined with national pride and emotion. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from support for Pakistan’s stand to criticism over politicizing sport. Broadcasters and sponsors are also expected to take a financial hit, given the match’s marquee status.
While Pakistan has opted out of the group stage clash, it remains unclear whether they would play India if both teams qualify for the knockouts. The ICC has not issued a formal statement on contingency plans for such a scenario. If Pakistan maintains its stance, it could lead to further forfeitures, potentially affecting the integrity and competitiveness of the tournament.
This boycott could set a precedent for future ICC events, especially if geopolitical tensions continue to influence participation. It also raises questions about the ICC’s governance and its ability to maintain neutrality amid member board pressures. The PCB’s decision, backed by its government, reflects a growing trend where cricket diplomacy is increasingly shaped by political narratives.
Pakistan’s decision to forfeit the match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup is more than just a sporting headline—it’s a moment that underscores the fragile and needless intervention of cricket and politics. While the tournament will go on, the absence of its most iconic rivalry leaves a void that no other fixture can fill. Whether this move leads to broader reforms or deeper divides remains to be seen, but for now, February 15 won’t see the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo hosting an Indo-Pak clash. There could be some ramifications as we get closer to the start of the marquee event, but for now, no India vs. Pakistan match remains at a standstill.
Tags: T20 World Cup 2026