Pakistan Takes a Firm Stand Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clearly stated that Pakistan will not play against India in the group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The high-profile fixture was scheduled to be played on February 15 in Colombo, but the Pakistan government has instructed the national team not to take the field for this match.
At the same time, Pakistan will participate in the tournament and play all other scheduled matches.
Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Match in question | India vs Pakistan (Group Stage) |
| Date & Venue | February 15, 2026 – Colombo |
| Pakistan’s decision | Will not play the match |
| Main reason | Support for Bangladesh |
| ICC stance | Opposes selective participation |
| PCB position | Supports government decision |
“There Should Be No Politics in Sports”: Sharif’s Message
While addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said the decision was taken after careful discussion and assessment.
According to the Prime Minister, Pakistan has adopted a clear and considered position, stressing that sports should remain free from political influence. He described the move as an appropriate decision taken in line with the government’s principles.
Sharif also emphasised that this stance is not sudden or emotional, but a decision made after deliberation at the highest level.
🚨 BIG STATEMENT BY PAKISTAN PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF 🗣️
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 5, 2026
He said – "We will not play with India in the T20 World Cup. We stand with the Bangladesh and boycotting match against India is our final decision."
– What's your take 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ve7tuzMvVW
Pakistan’s Support for Bangladesh Explained
One of the key reasons behind Pakistan’s decision is solidarity with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh was earlier removed from the T20 World Cup after declining to play its matches in India due to security concerns. The tournament organisers later replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Pakistan’s leadership felt that Bangladesh was treated unfairly and decided to stand with them by refusing to play the marquee match against India.
Pakistan’s message was clear: “We are with Bangladesh.”
ICC Responds to Pakistan’s Decision
The International Cricket Council responded strongly to Pakistan’s stance. The ICC expressed concern over what it described as “selective participation”, stating that global tournaments are built on fairness, equal competition, and consistency.
The ICC has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to explore a mutually acceptable solution, warning that such decisions could have long-term consequences for Pakistan cricket and the global cricket ecosystem.
PCB Backs Government Decision
The Pakistan Cricket Board has publicly aligned itself with the government’s position. PCB officials have indicated that the board will follow government directions, even if a potential India vs Pakistan match arises later in the knockout stages.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has held meetings with the Prime Minister to discuss the situation, especially after Bangladesh’s replacement in the tournament.
Read more:
What This Means for the T20 World Cup 2026
Group A Teams
Pakistan and India are placed in Group A, along with:
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- USA
Both teams are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaigns on February 7, but the absence of the India–Pakistan match would be a major talking point of the tournament.
The India vs Pakistan clash is considered the biggest rivalry in world cricket, attracting massive global viewership and commercial interest. A no-show in such a match could:
- Disappoint millions of fans worldwide
- Impact broadcasters and sponsors
- Create scheduling and points-table complications
From a sporting angle, India have historically dominated Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups, which adds further intrigue to the missing contest.
Read more: T20 World Cup 2026 Umpires List: Who Are the Officials and How Much Do They Earn?
As of now, Pakistan has not officially withdrawn from the tournament, only from the India match. Discussions between stakeholders are ongoing, and the ICC hopes for a resolution that keeps the focus on cricket rather than controversy.
For fans, the situation remains uncertain. Whether diplomacy, dialogue, or compromise can bring back the most awaited clash of the World Cup is something only time will tell.
One thing is clear: Shehbaz Sharif has drawn a firm line, and the cricket world is watching closely.
