Pakistan will not play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup this month after the country’s government withheld approval for the high-profile fixture
| Photo Credit:
KAMAL KISHORE/PTI
Pakistan will not play against India in this month's Twenty20 World Cup, Pakistan's government said on X on Sunday.
"The government ... 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," the post on the government's official X account said.
Pakistan are scheduled to play all their Group A matches in Sri Lanka in keeping with their policy of not touring India due to geopolitical tensions.
The 2009 champions had earlier announced their squad for the 20-team tournament beginning on February 7, maintaining their participation was subject to government approval.
Bangladesh have already been replaced by Scotland in the global showpiece following their refusal to travel to India over safety concerns.
Published on February 1, 2026
THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM.
SUBSCRIBE
FOR MINIMAL ADS.
THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM.
SUBSCRIBE
FOR MINIMAL ADS.
