WATCH: Pakistan travel to Sri Lanka for T20 World Cup 2026 amid India boycott stance

The Pakistan cricket team has left for Sri Lanka to feature in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, even as they stick to their decision to boycott the tournament's high-voltage clash against India. The Pakistan government has cleared the team’s participation in the tournament but has directed them not to play the fixture against India, which is scheduled to take place on February 15 in Colombo. 

Pakistan travelled to Sri Lanka

After the boycott was officially announced, Pakistan travelled to Sri Lanka, where they will play all their World Cup matches. The neutral venue for the India vs Pakistan clash was in December 2024, following discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and Pakistan’s representatives. Videos of the team departing from the airport have since surfaced on social media, showing players like Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha and others heading out with their luggage.

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India's plans despite Pakistan's boycott calls

Despite Pakistan’s stance, the Indian team is expected to proceed with their travel plans and arrive in Sri Lanka as scheduled. India captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to walk out for the toss for the high-profile clash. However, if Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not come out for the toss, the match referee will declare a walkover, handing India two points.

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ICC on Pakistan's boycott calls

The ICC has raised serious concerns over the Pakistan government’s decision. In a statement, the world body said it understands the government’s position but is still waiting for official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The ICC also made it clear that selective participation in a global tournament goes against the spirit of international competition.

The governing body urged the PCB to think carefully about the long-term impact of the situation on cricket in the country. It warned that the issue could affect not just Pakistan but the wider global cricket ecosystem, where Pakistan continues to play an important role.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will kick off their World Cup preparations with a warm-up match against Ireland on February 4 in Colombo, before the start of the main tournament.