Pakistan’s government has announced that the national cricket team will not play against India in the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
The announcement came via the government’s official X account on Sunday.
“The government … 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,” it said.
The decision reflects Pakistan’s policy of not touring India due to geopolitical tensions, resulting in all their Group A matches being scheduled in Sri Lanka.
The 2009 champions had previously named their squad for the 20-team tournament, which begins on 7 February, with their involvement always subject to government approval.
Separately, Bangladesh has already been replaced by Scotland in the global showpiece following their refusal to travel to India over safety concerns.
