Sharif cited Bangladesh's removal as the reason behind Pakistan boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday (February 4) reiterated the country's stance of boycotting its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against India.
The marquee fixture is scheduled to be held on February 15 in Colombo. The arch-rivals are placed in Group A along with Namibia, Netherlands and the USA.
"We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India," the Pakistan PM said while addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad.
Shehbaz added that the decision to boycott the India match was taken after careful assessment.
"There should be no politics in sports. We have taken this stand after deliberating on it carefully. We are with Bangladesh, and I think this is the right and proper decision," he stated, calling it an "appropriate decision".
While no reason was specified by Pakistan government for boycotting the India match, it is being seen as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh after their removal from the 20-tournament for refusing to travel to India citing 'security concerns'.
However, the ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed and also 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 said.
"It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders," the release said further.
Pakistan are slated to play all their T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreement with the BCCI and ICC till 2027.
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. Moreover, severe sanctions are likely to be imposed on PCB that could isolate Pakistan cricket.