Watch: “India’s policies in…”- Pakistan PM gives final clarification on their clash vs India in T20 World Cup 2026

The Pakistan government has stood on its stance of not playing India at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to happen on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. They revealed that even after participating in the competition and playing the curtain raiser on February 07 against the Netherlands, they will not lock horns with India.

Pakistan’s decision comes on the back of ICC replacing Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to travel to India, citing security reasons. Scotland will play their opening game against the West Indies on February 07 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

“We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won’t play the match against India because Pakistan said this is a field of sports, not politics. There should be no politics on the sports field. We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision.” Pakistan’s PM, Shahbaz Sharif, expressed.

Pakistan PM gives final decision on game vs India in T20 WC 2026

Sharif’s address is very interesting as it comes despite the official statement of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has asked the PCB to come to a mutually accepted stance from the boards in the interest of the stakeholders, which is quite vital, given that the India vs Pakistan game holds the edge with a massive revenue for any ICC event.

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“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 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 Pakistan government informed previously on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Under the leadership of Salman Agha, the Pakistan side is fully confident of doing well in this World Cup, especially after their home 3-0 T20I series victory against Australia ahead of the competition.