Pakistan Cricket Board May Reverse Stance on Playing India in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Speculation is rife that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the interior minister of his country, might reverse his stance of not playing India in the group stage of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on February 15, once the general elections are held in Bangladesh on February 12. “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. On Sunday , Pakistan announced a boycott of the high-profile match against India, a decision likely to have significant consequences, even though the government approved the national team’s participation in the rest of the global event starting February 7. The decision, communicated through an official statement, is perceived as a political protest connected to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had indicated that it would reconsider its participation following this decision to show solidarity with Bangladesh. In a statement posted on social media, the government of Pakistan confirmed the approval for the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the tournament but stated that the team “shall not take the field" for the February 15 fixture against India in Colombo. This decision ends days of speculation about Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, amid heightened political tensions in the region. The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, attracting peak global viewership, sponsorship interest, and broadcast revenues. While India would receive full points from a walkover, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the PCB. Pakistan is scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. All matches will be held at the SSC ground in Colombo. (With inputs from Agencies)