Pakistan has announced its cricket team will not take the field for their highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India in Colombo on February 15. The decision comes days after ICC ejected
Bangladesh from the tournament after their board refused to travel to India for their World Cup matches, citing security concerns.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) supported Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) during the logjam, and there were reports that they, in solidarity, could withdraw from the marquee tournament itself.
Now, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that the board will make a statement once they receive the information through official channels.
“I can’t make any comment till the moment I receive the official intimation. It will not be right for me to pass any comment on this issue,” Saikia told CNN News18 on Monday morning.
“The outcome of a match can be anything, but the thing is that once we get the information then we will give our official statement on this development,” he added.
Pakistan Announce Boycott
On Sunday, the Pakistan government officially confirmed that their team will take part in the T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7. However, the statement added that the team won’t take the field against India.
“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,” stated the official handle of Pakistan government on X.
While questioning the stance, the ICC warned that the decision could lead to punitive sanctions.
“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, of which it is itself a member and beneficiary,” ICC said in a statement.
“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,” it added.
