Pakistan will not skip T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, PCB hints at new plan

The Pakistan government has reportedly approved their national cricket team to play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match in Colombo. PCB's decision came after a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Will Pakistan boycott T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India?

Although PCB chairman Naqvi had earlier said that a final decision would be announced by Friday or Monday, sources confirmed to IANS that Pakistan will take part in the match against India.

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“PCB chairman Naqvi met with the Prime Minister, briefed him in detail about the ICC T20 World Cup and the ongoing situation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board” as quoted by IANS.

Why were there speculations on Pakistan's participation?

There had been speculation that Pakistan might boycott the match, or even the entire tournament, to show solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh had been replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup schedule after their cricket board and government refused to send the team to India over security concerns.

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Naqvi later wrote on social media, “Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. I briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed us to keep all options open. The final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”

Pakistan's plan for protest

Even though Pakistan has now agreed to play, reports suggest the team might still make a symbolic protest. They could, for instance, wear black armbands or show support for Bangladesh before the match.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is second-in-command after the Prime Minister. By leaving the decision to him and the PCB, the government is aiming to pressure the ICC over the issue.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage schedule

Pakistan, who are placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. Notably, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka. The high voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on February 15 in Colombo.