Pakistan has declared a boycott of its World Cup match against India

A post to the official X account of The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was made as Pakistan completed a series sweep of Australia.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” it wrote.

Pakistan was set to play co-host India on February 15 but will forfeit the match instead.

The announcement was made public prior to the Pakistan Cricket Board making contact with the International Cricket Council.

The ICC, in a statement released shortly after the Pakistan government’s declaration, urged consideration to the “long-term implications for cricket”.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the statement read.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.

“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 political unrest between Pakistan and India has forced them to only meet in World Cups.

All of Pakistan’s group matches will be played at co-host country Sri Lanka, including the potential finals.

The decision comes after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament following a denied request to change groups.

Bangladesh — which was replaced by Scotland — wanted to move its matches out of India amid security concerns but was removed by the ICC entirely.

Pakistan whitewashed Australia 3-0 in a warm-up Twenty20 series, finishing with a mammoth 111-run victory overnight.

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