Cricket fans across the world will miss one of the sport’s most intense rivalries after Pakistan confirmed it will not play its T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, following a directive from the country’s government. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the team will respect the decision, even though it has been cleared to compete in the rest of the tournament.
The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, was expected to be one of the highlights of the World Cup. India–Pakistan games are more than just fixtures—they are moments that bring stadiums to life, stop cities, and unite millions of viewers across borders. This time, however, politics has stepped in where cricket usually takes centre stage.
The PCB made it clear that the decision was not taken by the board or the players. Pakistan’s cricketers, including captain Salman Ali Agha, have said they had little choice but to follow official instructions. For players on both sides, the absence of the contest is a disappointment, as many see World Cup matches between India and Pakistan as career-defining occasions.
Under ICC rules, Pakistan is expected to forfeit the match, handing India a walkover and valuable group points. For Pakistan, this could prove costly in a tight group stage, where every point matters and momentum can define a campaign.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed concern, warning that skipping scheduled matches affects the spirit of the competition. Officials are in talks with the PCB to manage the situation within tournament regulations. India’s cricket board has supported the ICC’s stance, while reiterating that the decision lies outside the players’ control.
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