Pakistan is actively considering a boycott of its highly anticipated group-stage match against arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to sources who spoke on Monday. This potential move comes amid escalating tensions following the International Cricket Council’s controversial decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament lineup.
Protest Over ICC's Bangladesh Decision
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board have indicated that the boycott is being discussed as a direct form of protest. The ICC’s action came after Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the tournament and was subsequently removed at short notice. PCB insiders confirm that multiple response options are under evaluation, with symbolic protests remaining on the table even if Pakistan continues its participation in the event.
Financial and Competitive Implications
Skipping the India match would result in Pakistan forfeiting two crucial group-stage points. However, such a decision could also inflict significant financial damage on the ICC, for whom the Pakistan-India contest is a major commercial driver, generating substantial revenue for the T20 World Cup.
PCB Chairman's Stance and Government Consultation
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet the national squad on Monday following the announcement of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. The meeting is expected to address team preparations as well as the broader situation surrounding the tournament. Naqvi has emphasized that the final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation will be made in consultation with the federal government.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently not in the country. We will announce the final decision after he returns,” Naqvi stated when questioned about Pakistan’s official stance on the ICC’s decision regarding Bangladesh.
Criticism of ICC's 'Double Standards'
Naqvi criticized the ICC for what he described as “double standards,” asserting that Bangladesh had been treated unfairly. He questioned the governing body’s consistency, arguing that if hybrid arrangements could be implemented in other instances, similar consideration should have been extended to Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Naqvi warned against undue influence in ICC decision-making, stating that “one country cannot dictate another.” This remark is widely interpreted as a reference to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, highlighting underlying geopolitical tensions within the sport.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 is set to commence with a match against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. This will be followed by fixtures against the United States on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18.
The tournament’s Super Eight stage will be held from February 21 to March 1 across venues in Colombo and Kolkata. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 3 and 5, with the final set to take place on March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.
