Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the national cricket team will not play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The high-profile group-stage match was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistan Confirms It Will Not Play India in T20 World Cup 2026
Islamabad: Cricket fans could face a major setback in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that the Pakistan team will not play the group match against India. This high-voltage match was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was already generating intense speculation.
At the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan had made this decision after careful consideration. He clarified that sports should be kept away from politics. Shahbaz Sharif said, "We have decided not to play the match against India. Pakistan stands with Bangladesh, and this is a fair decision."
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Despite the Prime Minister's confirmation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of this decision. According to sources, the PCB is currently avoiding sending an official email to the ICC. As such, the India-Pakistan match remains on the tournament schedule, and the situation remains unclear.
The ICC is reportedly awaiting a formal letter from Pakistan. Unless the PCB provides written notice of its decision not to play the match, no changes to the schedule will be made. Consequently, the controversy surrounding this issue is likely to escalate in the coming days.
On the other hand, the Indian cricket team will arrive in Colombo on February 15th as scheduled. Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav will participate in the official press conference on the eve of the match and will also be present on the field for the toss.
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If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not arrive for the toss at the scheduled time, the match referee can award India a walkover. In such a scenario, India will receive a full two points. However, if for some reason India and Pakistan do not arrive in Colombo, then according to the rules, both teams will be awarded one point each.
The absence of the India-Pakistan match could have a significant impact not only on the game but also on the commercial and spectator interest of the tournament. All eyes are currently on the next steps taken by the ICC and PCB, which will determine the direction of this entire controversy.
