Islamabad: In an unprecedented move, Pakistan on Sunday announced that it will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but will boycott its scheduled match against arch-rival India on February 15.
145 Terrorists Killed in 40 Hours Across Balochistan After Coordinated BLA Attacks: CM Bugti
The decision was confirmed by the Government of Pakistan following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) removal of Bangladesh from the tournament after Dhaka raised security concerns about playing in India.
“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 told Geo News that the move was aimed at showing solidarity with Bangladesh and protesting what Pakistan views as the ICC’s biased handling of the situation.
According to the sources, multiple factors influenced the decision, with the ICC’s perceived partial treatment of Bangladesh playing a central role. They said the Pakistani team was instructed not to play against India as a form of protest.
The sources further alleged that ICC chief Jay Shah’s decisions have effectively turned the ICC into an extension of the Indian cricket board, accusing the global body of applying different standards to different countries.
They added that such actions have undermined the principles of fairness and equality, raising serious concerns about governance and neutrality within international cricket.
