Uncertainty continues to surround the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi could reconsider his decision to boycott the group-stage match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The possibility of a change in stance is reportedly linked to the general elections in Bangladesh, which are set to take place on February 12.
According to a PTI source monitoring developments within Pakistan cricket, the PCB chief's position could shift once the elections conclude. "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.
Pakistan had earlier announced its decision to withdraw from the high-profile fixture against India, although the government permitted the national side to compete in the rest of the tournament, which begins on February 7. The move is widely being seen as a political response following Bangladesh's removal from the competition after the ICC rejected its proposal to shift matches scheduled in India to Sri Lanka, citing security reasons.
The PCB had hinted earlier that it would review its participation as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh. Later, Pakistan's government issued an official statement confirming the team's involvement in the tournament but clearly stating that it "shall not take the field" against India in Colombo.
The absence of the India-Pakistan encounter would have significant commercial and sporting implications. The contest is traditionally the marquee event of ICC tournaments, generating record television viewership, advertising revenue, and sponsorship interest worldwide. If Pakistan proceeds with the boycott, India would receive full points through a walkover, while the ICC could consider imposing financial sanctions on the PCB.
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18, with all their fixtures slated to be held at Colombo's SSC ground.
