What will happen after Pakistan forfeit match against India in T20 World Cup 2026?

Late on February 01, the Pakistan government revealed that they would forfeit the clash against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 despite giving a green signal to the rest of the competition. The ICC, however, expects the PCB to come to a mutually accepted position regarding the future of the clash, which is scheduled to happen on February 15 at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo.  

The situation occurred from the Pakistan board after the ICC decided to remove the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from the World Cup due to the side’s refusal to travel to India, which the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed as double standards and a part of favoring the Indian side.

See Also: Know BCCI’s reaction to Pakistan forfeiting clash vs India in T20 WC 2026

“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 expressed on X (formerly known as Twitter).

What sanctions will ICC impose on Pakistan after forfeiting match against India in T20 WC 2026?

It has been noted that ICC may ban the Pakistan side entirely from the World Cup. Their annual revenue payout can also be withheld. This will be a massive blow to the financial structure of the board. The India vs Pakistan clash is always the most-watched game of any ICC event, which means the PCB will be asked to pay the full compensation to Jio-Star.

There will be probable sanctions for the bilateral series, along with an impact on the WTC points and the ICC rankings. Meanwhile, the ICC may also ban the players from taking part in future editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event.” The ICC statement addressed.