Pakistan Allows T20 World Cup Participation, Rules Out Match Against India

The Government of Pakistan has given approval for the national cricket team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while clearly announcing that Pakistan will not play its scheduled match against India.

In an official statement shared on social media, the government confirmed that permission has been granted for Pakistan’s participation in the mega event. However, it was clarified that the team will not take part in the match scheduled against India on February 15, 2026.

Sources reveal that extensive consultations were held by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before the final decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi discussed the matter directly with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the policy stance was finalized.

Pakistan has been placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup alongside India, the Netherlands, the United States, and Namibia. According to the tournament schedule, Pakistan’s opening match will be played against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, while the highly anticipated Pakistan–India clash was scheduled for February 15 at the same venue.

Earlier, sources had indicated that an important announcement regarding Pakistan’s participation would follow a meeting between the PCB chairman and the prime minister. It was also reported that, if participation was confirmed, the team’s official World Cup kit would be unveiled soon.

Meanwhile, PCB had prepared an alternative plan in case Pakistan opted out of the World Cup. Under Plan B, a separate tournament featuring Pakistan, Pakistan Shaheens, and the Under-18 team would be organized in Lahore.

The decision is expected to draw strong reactions from fans and international cricket bodies, as the absence of a Pakistan–India fixture significantly impacts the tournament’s global viewership.