Pakistan have decided to forfeit Group A match against India at T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan government on Sunday (February 1) announced via social media that its national team "shall not take the field" in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India without giving any reason.
The marquee fixture is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The 2009 champions are placed in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.
The decision followed the ICC’s removal of Bangladesh from the 20-tournament after BCB refused to travel to India citing 'security concerns'. Bangladesh remained firm on its stance of not playing on Indian soil, leading the apex body to replace them with Scotland.
Speaking to NDTV, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev weighed in on the boycott move, saying it will end up hurting Pakistan's reputation and also harm the current crop of cricketers in the country.
"If the decision was taken by the players, they can come out and say. However, if the board says that you will not play, the reputation of the country comes down," Kapil said.
"It is not looking bright for Pakistan. You are killing the generation. Pakistan have given us fantastic talents over the years. But if you will not allow these boys to play in the World Cup, you are killing the generation and hurting the game. You are being unfair to your own players," he added.
If the Men in Green fail to take the field against India on February 15, the match will be ruled a forfeit under ICC rules, resulting in an automatic loss of two points and a hit to their net run rate. Additionally, severe sanctions are likely to be imposed on PCB that could isolate Pakistan cricket.
The ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed and asked Pakistan to reconsider their stance due to the long-term impact that it can have on cricket in the country.
Kapil concluded with a pointed warning: "The emotions and spectators will be impacted. But, in the long run, no one will miss them. People will not think about it for a long time and they will ultimately move on."