"This decision is not in the interest of the global game."
Pakistan has confirmed participation in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup but will skip its scheduled match against India.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing safety concerns over travelling to India.
Political tensions between the two neighbours have long shaped cricketing ties, limiting bilateral encounters to major international tournaments only.
Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral men’s series since 2013, reflecting strained diplomatic relations and unresolved regional disputes.
India, meanwhile, has not toured Pakistan since 2008, with security concerns frequently cited by Indian authorities.
Despite these tensions, the current tournament schedule placed the Pakistan-India fixture at a neutral venue in Colombo.
The arrangement stems from an agreement signed in 2025 that requires neutral venues whenever either nation hosts an ICC event.
In a formal statement, the Pakistan government confirmed approval for participation in the T20 World Cup, but drew a clear line on the India match.
It stated: “Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India”.
The decision immediately prompted a reaction from the International Cricket Council, which governs global cricket competitions.
The ICC described Pakistan’s position as “difficult to reconcile” with the core principles of international tournaments.
In its statement, the ICC emphasised that selective participation conflicts with expectations that all qualified teams compete equally.
“Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”
While acknowledging national policy considerations, the ICC stressed broader consequences for fans and the global cricketing ecosystem.
“This decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide.”
The council urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to reflect on “significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country”.
ICC also said it expects the PCB to seek a mutually acceptable resolution to avoid damaging precedents.
At present, it has not released official playing conditions for the tournament, leaving potential sanctions unclear.
Rules from the previous edition stated that refusal to play would result in a match being conceded or awarded.
Pakistan had earlier announced its squad for the 20-team competition, set to begin on February 7, 2026, pending government clearance.
The backdrop to this controversy includes Bangladesh’s earlier request to relocate matches away from India to Sri Lanka.
That request was rejected by the ICC, which cited an “absence of any credible security threat” in its assessment.
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