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.
While speculations are rife that severe sanctions could be imposed on PCB following the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup group match against India, no concrete steps have yet been taken by the ICC to address the issue.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, any discussion on sanctions would take place at an ICC Board meeting. However, the global body has not informed its Board so far about any emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter.
The report added that the PCB is unlikely to make formal contact with the ICC regarding the boycott or specify the reasons behind the government’s stance.
Cricbuzz also reported on the similar line, stating that there are 16 members on the ICC Board and, when multiple directors were contacted by the publication, it became clear that there is no Board meeting being scheduled.
The report noted that the PCB has not formally written to the ICC about forfeiting the India game, despite the Pakistan government's public announcement via social media.
As per the report, the PCB may eventually make a U-turn, just like it confirmed participation in an Asia Cup 2025 match barely half an hour before the start after threatening to pull out through the day.
In its statement, the ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed and asked Pakistan to reconsider their decision due to the long-term impact that it can have on cricket in the country.
"While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan. The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the release, issued on February 1, said.
"It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders," the release said further.