Pakistan mulling to boycott India match in T20 World Cup 2026: Reports

On Monday, January 26, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deferred its decision on participation in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final call will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.

On Monday, Naqvi met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said the issue was discussed in detail. Taking to his official X (Formerly Twitter) handle, Naqvi stated that Sharif will resolve the matter while keeping all options on the table.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi posted on X.

While Pakistan has already announced its squad for the showpiece tournament, there have been speculations over its participation. Moreover, reports from Pakistan suggested multiple options are being considered. 

One possibility is Pakistan refusing to play their group-stage match against India on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pakistan would forfeit two points if they skip the match and could also face ICC sanctions.

On the other hand, the former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has requested the PCB not to boycott the match against India. 

“Pakistan should not boycott, but wear black armbands and play the India game,” Basit said on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali Show. He added that cricket was no longer a “gentleman’s game” and had become deeply political.

“Why wait for the February 15 India vs Pakistan game at the T20 World Cup? If you have to boycott, do it on February 1 during the Pakistan vs India U-19 World Cup match,” he added.

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