ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed a final decision on participation in next month’s ICC men’s T20 World Cup in India, keeping open the option of a partial or symbolic boycott after Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns sparked a growing diplomatic and sporting row.
The PCB delayed the call until a week after consultations between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as Islamabad weighs its response to the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland at short notice.
In a post on
Naqvi added that it was agreed that the final decision would be made on Friday or next Monday, as Pakistan assesses the implications of continuing in the tournament, while protesting what it sees as inconsistent and politically influenced ICC decision-making.
Sources within the PCB say one option being discussed is to boycott the high-profile group stage clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, a match considered among the most lucrative in world cricket despite the sporting cost of losing points.
The ICC’s move followed Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India and its demand that matches be relocated to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns, a request Pakistan backed by pointing to last year’s Champions Trophy hybrid deal for India.
Naqvi has publicly criticized what he called the ICC’s “double standards”, arguing that if hybrid models were acceptable in previous cases, Bangladesh deserved similar consideration, while warning that “one country cannot impose on another” in ICC matters.
Pakistan’s campaign is scheduled to begin against Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States, India and Namibia, with Super Eight matches split between Colombo and Kolkata and the final set for March 8.
The PCB chairman will also meet the national team following the announcement of the World Cup line-up, and preparations continue amid uncertainty as the government retains the final say on Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features 20 teams, divided into four groups, with the top teams advancing to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Matches are being organized in India and Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement.
Both Pakistan and India have been placed in Group A. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by a match against the United States on February 10. The much-awaited Pakistan-India group stage match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, with Pakistan completing their group matches against Namibia on February 18.
The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1 and the matches will be held in Colombo and Kolkata. The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 3 and 5, while the final will be held on March 8, with Ahmedabad and Colombo as the designated venues.
The clash between Pakistan and India was seen as the most important match of the tournament given the unprecedented rivalry between the two teams, particularly the recent acrimony when the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan during the three matches played in the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
“The PCB is considering not playing India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as a mark of protest against the ICC’s decision not to allow Bangladesh to play their matches in Sri Lanka. The biggest competition of the global tournament is scheduled in Sri Lanka on February 15,” Cricinfo.com said in an article.
“The two arch-rivals are in Group A and could meet again in the semi-final or final. If Pakistan decides to boycott the match, two points would be given to the Indian national cricket team. It could also affect the PCB financially,” he added.
(WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AGENCIES AND NEWS TABLE)
