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 traditional rivals are placed in Group A along with Namibia, Netherlands and the USA.

Despite the ICC’s warning that selective participation will not be allowed, Pakistan haven’t changed their stance yet.

While the standoff persists, a report published in The Indian Express suggests that Pakistan might look to enforce the 'Force Majeure' clause in order to avoid heavy sanctions from the apex body if they boycott the India match.

If the Men in Green fail to take the field against India, 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 financial sanctions could be imposed on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

However, the clause refers to "unforeseeable circumstances that can prevent a contract from being fulfilled". The report stated that the PCB may look to justify its move by mentioning the social media post by the Pakistan government and arguing that they were directed to take the decision.

“This is their last resort since they don't have any other reason to not play India,” the publication quoted an official as saying.

On the other hand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is of the opinion that the PCB's argument is weak.

“When Pakistan had no problem playing India in the Under-19 World Cup on the same day their government put out the post to boycott the T20 World Cup game, this wouldn't cut ice. Besides, when it comes to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan government, there is not much difference. The Pakistan prime minister is the patron-in-chief of PCB and the board's chief is a minister,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.

“The Pakistan and Bangladesh boards are mixing politics with cricket. Despite the Indian government's repeated statements ensuring security to their team, the Bangladesh team didn't travel to India. Now, Pakistan too is being unreasonable. There has been an understanding that India and Pakistan will play at a neutral venue in ICC events. Boycotting the game is just mischief,” the official added.

Meanwhile, 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.

"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," he stated, calling it an "appropriate decision".