Watch: Pakistan unveil T20 World Cup 2026 official Kit amid match boycott controversy vs India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially unveiled the national team’s jersey for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday after receiving approval from the Government of Pakistan to take part in the tournament. The launch followed a major political decision, as Pakistan announced it will boycott its group-stage match against India on February 15.

The government confirmed that the Pakistan team will travel to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup, which will run until March 8. However, the approval came with a condition that Pakistan will not play its Group A match against India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The PCB is yet to formally inform the ICC, but the announcement has already drawn strong reactions.

The jersey launch took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia. The event was earlier postponed due to uncertainty over participation and went ahead only after government clearance. Captain Salman Ali Agha, along with senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed, presented the new jersey.

Watch the video here:

Pakistan Unveils “Vanguard Markhor Edition” Jersey

The new kit, named the “Vanguard Markhor Edition,” comes with a light green base and dark green designs. It clearly features Pakistan’s national animal, the Markhor. The PCB also released a short promotional video that highlighted themes of strength, resilience, and national pride.

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ICC Responds to Pakistan’s Boycott Decision

Pakistan’s decision to skip the match against India was shared through an official statement on X. The Government of Pakistan said it had allowed the team to take part in the tournament but confirmed that the side will not play against India. No official reason was given for the move.

Under ICC playing rules, Pakistan will lose two points from the match and also suffer a loss in net run rate. India’s points and net run rate will not be affected.

The ICC raised concerns over selective participation in a global tournament. In its statement, the governing body said such actions affect fairness, competition, and the spirit of the game. The ICC also warned that the decision could have long-term effects on Pakistan cricket and asked the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution.