Pakistan Will Not Play T20 World Cup Match Against India
Islamabad: Pakistan’s cricket team has been cleared to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play its scheduled match against India, the government of Pakistan announced Sunday. The game against India was set for February 15, 2026.
The decision comes amid ongoing controversy following Bangladesh’s expulsion from the tournament. Bangladesh, whose participation had been confirmed in June 2024, was removed by the ICC after disputes over relocating its fixtures from India to Sri Lanka. The ICC awarded Bangladesh’s spot to Scotland, drawing criticism for perceived “double standards” against a full member nation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed support for Bangladesh and said a final decision on Pakistan’s full participation will be made next week. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue, stating that a decision would be finalized by Friday or the following Monday.
All of Pakistan’s matches in the T20 World Cup are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka due to ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
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