Pakistan Reverse Their T20 World Cup Boycott Decision Against India
It is confirmed. Pakistan will play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15 in Colombo, the ICC confirmed on Monday.
The announcement ends days of uncertainty around the high-profile Group A fixture. Earlier this month, Pakistan had decided to boycott the match amid political discussions at home.
The Pakistan government reversed that decision after meetings involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
On February 1, Pakistan had informed the ICC that it would not take the field against India in Colombo. India, however, remained willing to play the match and was prepared to travel despite the boycott stance.
Following fresh consultations, Pakistan confirmed it will now take part in all its scheduled matches in the tournament, including the clash against India.
Pakistan began their T20 World Cup campaign with a 3-wicket win over the Netherlands. They will play their second group match against the USA on February 10, also in Colombo, before facing India 5 days later. Meanwhile, India won their opening match against the USA.
The ICC said the decision came after discussions with multiple boards. The Pakistan government stated that several ICC members, including Sri Lanka and the UAE, urged Pakistan not to boycott the game due to the financial impact on other nations.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held talks with Sri Lanka President Kumara Dissanayake before the final call was made.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement said.
It added that the decision was taken “to protect the spirit of cricket and support the continuity of this global sport.”
The announcement also confirmed that Bangladesh will not face penalties for opting out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country,” said the statement released by the ICC.
The ICC has also assured the BCB an opportunity to host a future ICC event before the 2031 ODI World Cup, subject to standard hosting processes and requirements.
India and Pakistan last met at the 2025 Asia Cup, where they played each other 3 times within a span of two weeks. Team India won all 3 matches, including the final in Dubai.
Abhishek Sharma finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 317 runs in 7 innings, scoring 50 more runs than the second-highest batter. Kuldeep Yadav topped the bowling charts with 17 wickets, which was 7 more than the next best bowler.