NewKerala.com

Pakistan Boycotts T20 World Cup Clash with India After Conditional Approval

The Pakistani government has granted its cricket team conditional approval to participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, but with the specific directive to not play its scheduled match against India. The boycott is seen as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh, which withdrew from the tournament over security concerns. The decision, finalized after a meeting between the PCB chairman and the Prime Minister, throws the tournament into uncertainty, especially regarding the revenue from the marquee clash. Pakistan, in Group A, will now begin its campaign against the Netherlands.

Key Points: Pakistan to Boycott T20 WC Match vs India

  • Conditional approval granted
  • Boycott of India match
  • Solidarity with Bangladesh cited
  • Tournament faces fresh problem
  • Jersey reveal postponed
2 min read

Pakistan to boycott T20 WC game against India after granted conditional approval to participate

Pakistan govt grants conditional approval for T20 World Cup but orders team to boycott the high-profile match against India on Feb 15.

"the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India - Government of Pakistan"

New Delhi, Feb 1

Pakistan will not play India in their scheduled Men's T20 World Cup match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, after the government granted the team conditional approval to take part in the tournament.

The statement did not specify a reason for that decision, though it is believed that Pakistan will boycott the match against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who were pulled out of Men's T20 World Cup for seeking relocation of their matches out of India, citing security issues and were replaced by Scotland in Group C.

"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," said the government's official account on 'X' account.

Earlier this week, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and it was then that he announced that the final decision on Pakistan's participation would be taken on either January 30 or February 2. However, the final verdict was announced a day earlier, which now leaves the tournament on the edge of a fresh problem, considering the revenue coming from the marquee clash.

Pakistan had also postponed the team's jersey reveal for the Men's T20 World Cup, and it was understood that the event would take place once the verdict on the team's participation in the upcoming tournament was announced.

Pakistan, the 2009 edition winners, are in Group A for the T20 World Cup alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The Salman Ali Agha-led side will begin their campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the desire to show solidarity, boycotting a match punishes the players and fans more than anyone. The Pakistani team worked hard to qualify. This decision seems more about optics than actual support for Bangladesh.
V
Vikram M
Frankly, it's their loss. Our team is strong and ready to play anyone. The tournament will go on, and we'll support Team India regardless. This just creates unnecessary drama before a World Cup. Focus on the game, yaar.
A
Ananya R
The financial impact on the ICC and broadcasters will be huge. That match generates massive revenue. It's a short-sighted move that could have long-term consequences for cricket funding, especially for associate nations like Namibia and the Netherlands in their group.
K
Karthik V
Solidarity with Bangladesh is one thing, but was there no other way? A joint statement, wearing armbands? Boycotting the biggest match just feels like an overreaction. Now what happens to the points? Does India get a walkover?
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I think the Indian cricket board and government have handled the hosting duties professionally. If there were genuine security concerns from Bangladesh, they should have been addressed through ICC channels, not by triggering a boycott chain reaction.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50