before major developments 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World CupPakistan have officially announced that they will not participate in the much-anticipated group stage match against India, scheduled to take place on February 15. The Pakistani government confirmed the decision in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, ending days of speculation about Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.

Official government statement confirms Pakistan’s partial involvement

The government post made it clear that while the Pakistan team has been given permission to travel and participate in the tournament, the match against India is an exception.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has approved the participation of the Pakistan Cricket Team in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team will not be allowed to participate in the match against India scheduled for February 15, 2026,” the statement read.

Notably, the announcement did not provide any specific reason for declining to participate in the high-profile match.

Background: Bangladesh’s withdrawal and rising tensions

Pakistan’s stance comes after Bangladesh were disqualified from the World Cup on January 24 after they refused to play against India due to security concerns. Pakistan was the only country to publicly support Bangladesh’s request for an alternative location, a move that drew sharp criticism from the ICC.

Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of double standards in favor of India after Bangladesh were excluded. Naqvi had said at the time that Pakistan’s participation would ultimately depend on the government’s decision.

Two days after Bangladesh was deported, Naqvi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and later said he was considering all options. Naqvi advises final decision to be taken “By Friday or next Monday.”

With the government making the announcement a day before the unofficial deadline, it is now clear that Pakistan has chosen a middle path – participating in the World Cup but boycotting only India matches.

Speculation has grown in recent days that Pakistan will avoid exiting the World Cup entirely. This belief was strengthened after the PCB named a team within the ICC deadline. Additionally, a statement released briefly but later deleted suggested that Pakistan would travel to Sri Lanka, which co-hosts the World Cup with India.

Watch also: India captain Ayush Mhatt avoids shaking hands with Pakistan captain during 2026 U19 World Cup match

Pakistan Group A schedule and points impact

Pakistan is in Group A along with India, Namibia, Netherlands and the United States. All Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. Their games will begin against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

If the match against India is boycotted, Pakistan will lose two points from that match. As per the ICC playing conditions, this forfeiture will also have a negative impact on Pakistan’s net run-rate, while India’s net run-rate will be unaffected.

Article 16.10.7 states that in the event of a forfeit, the defaulting team’s entire quota of 20 overs will be included in the net run-rate calculation, effectively penalizing Pakistan in the group standings.

Also read: Clinical Pakistan beat Australia 3-0 in third T20I to register a resounding victory