In an unexpected decision, Pakistan announced it will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but will not take the field against arch-rivals India. The announcement was made by the Government of Pakistan, calling it a rare but deliberate step.
The decision came after the International Cricket Council removed Bangladesh from the tournament. Bangladesh had raised security concerns about playing matches in India, but their request was rejected.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” the 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.”
Government sources said the move was meant to show solidarity with Bangladesh. They added that Pakistan wanted to protest what it sees as unfair treatment by the ICC.
Officials said several factors shaped the decision. The ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s concerns played a key role. Pakistan were instructed not to play the India match on February 15 as “a form of protest”.
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.
Sources further claimed that ICC chief Jay Shah’s partial decisions have turned the council into an extension of the Indian cricket board. They accused the ICC of applying different standards to different countries.
The situation worsened after the ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to shift matches outside India. This came after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL on the Indian board’s instructions, triggering anger in Bangladesh.
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Later, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, saying it was not possible to change the schedule so close to the February 7 tournament start.
