The Pakistan cricket team has officially boycotted its Group A match against the India cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following direct instructions from the Pakistan government. The decision was confirmed on February 1 amid escalating geo-political tensions between the two nations.

The move was taken in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and is also understood to be a show of solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The boycott will force Pakistan to compete under more difficult conditions because Pakistan needs to win two matches in order to qualify for the next stage.

Pakistan to forfeit points after India boycott

Pakistan will lose two important Group A points because they chose not to play India. The group has five teams which will compete through four matches and only the two top-performing teams will advance to the Super Eight stage. Pakistan must win all their upcoming matches because the boycott gives them no room for mistakes.

How Pakistan can still qualify for the Super Eight

Pakistan needs favorable results to achieve their advancement despite facing their current challenge. The qualification scenario is straightforward but unforgiving:

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• Pakistan’s maximum possible points: 6
• Pakistan must win all remaining three matches
• Any defeat will almost certainly end Super Eight hopes
• The Net Run Rate will determine results when teams reach equal standings

Pakistan will likely win against Namibia while both Netherlands and USA present real difficulties. The USA which defeated Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup makes this match particularly important for both teams.

Led by Salman Agha, Pakistan now head into the tournament knowing that one slip-up could end their campaign early. The 'Men in Green' will determine their response to early elimination at the point it occurs.

Pakistan’s Group A schedule