Will PCB reverse India's T20 World Cup 2026 match boycott post-Bangladesh elections? Here’s the scoop

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called to boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India to morally support Bangladesh, who are replaced by Scotland in the marquee event. The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place in Sri Lanka, and this will be the second league stage clash for both teams.

Will Naqvi take u-turn?

However, there are speculations that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi may change his decision about skipping the group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on February 15, depending on the outcome of Bangladesh’s general elections on February 12.

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“Naqvi more than a cricket administrator is a politician, who is not one bit bothered about the welfare of the national team. He is trying to score a brownie point with his and could well flip once elections are held on February 12," source tracking Pakistan cricket was quoted as saying to PTI.

“There would still be two days before the India game and things could just change. Else he knows that Pakistan could be ostracised," the source added.

Why is Pakistan boycotting the T20 World Cup clash against India?

Pakistan are calling to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India to show solidarity to Bangladesh, who were ruled out of the tournament after they refused to feature in India, alleging security concerns. Notably, ICC had held several meetings with the BCB officials where they found out that there is a low risk that is there in almost every sporting event. After having several meetings and with the schedule already announced, the cricketing governing body replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

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PCB's take on not featuring against India

PCB communicated their official decision to not play against India through an official statement, is perceived as a political protest connected to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

In a statement posted on social media, the government of Pakistan confirmed the approval for the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the tournament but stated that the team “shall not take the field" for the February 15 fixture against India in Colombo.