Will India and Pakistan play each other in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 amid boycott threat? | Know more

With Pakistan hinting at a boycott, uncertainty looms over the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

India vs Pakistan (Image Credit: ACC)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have officially announced that they will boycott the encounter against India on February 15 in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The arch-rivals are placed in the same group and were expected to play the match in Sri Lanka. However, weeks before the encounter, PCB has taken to Twitter to announce their decision. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to give a formal statement on the matter.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 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," read PCB's statement.

The fixture between India and Pakistan drives much more audience that any other game and hence, ICC clubs them together in the same group during the World Cups. The case is quite different this time since Pakistan aren't willing to participate in the game against India.

Why did Pakistan boycott clash against India?

Pakistan and India have been arch-rivals since forever now due to their political differences off the field. However, the aggression and anger has often been visible on the field, especially during the World Cups. After the terrorists attack happened in India in April 2025, the Men in Blue played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and refused to shake hands. The real tension begun from there.

Now, after ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the World Cup 2026, Pakistan have raised their voice in support of their neighbouring country. Bangladesh were keen on traveling for the ICC event but demanded a shift in their venue from India to Sri Lanka after the Mustafizur Rahman row happened. Amidst that, PCB offered to host Bangladesh's match in Pakistan during the World Cup.

When ICC refused to change the venue at such short notice, Bangladesh remained adamant to their demands. The apex board then gave a deadline to revert back but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remained silent and lost their place in the tournament. Following this, PCB raised concerns, questions, and now, have boycotted playing against India in the World Cup 2026. With the marquee event starting on February 7, ICC have got a week's time to respond to this issue.

Where to watch ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from February 7 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?

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