Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup is under scrutiny as Pakistan Government has officially state that there national team will not play with team India in upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to begin on 7 February. The clash between India and Pakistan was originally slated to played on 15 February. The decision brings strong reaction from cricketing bodies and player across the world.
As the Pakistan Government announced their decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board. That this selective approach is not possible and they can face serious problems due to this.
Despite the controversy, it has been confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the World Cup, with all their matches set to be played in Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo, instead of India. This decision comes after Pakistan requested a neutral venue citing political and security concerns.
Addressing the issue after Pakistan’s emphatic win over Australia in the third and final T20I on Sunday, Pakistan batter Agha Salman clarified that the decision was not made by the players. Speaking to reporters, Agha stated that the call was entirely taken by the government and the PCB, leaving the players with no role in the matter.
“We are going to the World Cup. Hamara decision nahi hai, aur hum kuch nahi kar sakte. Whatever our government or the PCB chief tells us to do, we will do only that,” Agha said, making it clear that the team remains focused on cricket rather than politics.
Another Pakistan Cricketer Sahibzada Farhan stated that, they are tired of beating Indian team again and again, and now they don’t want to play with them.
” We are not afraid of India, we are just tired of beating them again and again. That’s why we don’t want to play against them.”
In a related development, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly supported Pakistan’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh’s backing highlights a growing sentiment among some boards regarding logistical flexibility, although the ICC remains firm on maintaining competitive integrity.
Former Indian Cricketer Harbhajan Singh makes a remark over Pakistan Government decision over not playing with India, on his YouTube channel
Begani Shadi mei abdullah deewana… Pakistan government has said that their team will participate in the T20 World Cup but will not play against India. There is absolutely no logic to this. This is the same Pakistan government and the same PCB that, after some time, will say that the dispute was actually Bangladesh’s, the ICC imposed the ban, and we were ready to play and resolve the issue. This is nothing but a complete drama being created to mislead people. They are trying to project that we stand with Bangladesh,”
