The Pakistan cricket team has left for Sri Lanka to play in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. This comes even though the team may face action from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Pakistan has refused to play against India in the tournament.

A video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board showed the players wearing their new World Cup kit. They were seen boarding a bus from a hotel in Lahore and heading to the airport. Even though Pakistan is co-hosting the tournament with India, the team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka because of political tension between the two countries.

On Sunday, Pakistan shocked the cricket world when the government told the team to take part in the World Cup but boycott the group-stage match against India.

Watch the video here: 

PAKISTAN TEAM LEAVES FOR SRI LANKA. 🇵🇰pic.twitter.com/vbQWWfOXN1

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 2, 2026

Pakistan leave for T20 World Cup amid India boycott row

Pakistan left for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka on Monday and is waiting to see if the ICC will take action. The issue comes after Pakistan refused to play against India in the tournament. A video shared by the PCB showed players wearing their new World Cup jersey as they travelled from a hotel in Lahore to the airport.

Even though India is a co-host of the World Cup, Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. This includes any knockout games. The decision was taken due to political tension between the two countries. Pakistan created shock on Sunday when the government told the team to play in the World Cup but skip the group match against India in Colombo on February 15. No clear reason was given. Reports say the PCB has not officially informed the ICC yet.

See also -Star RCB pacer likely to miss early phase of the T20 World Cup 2026; replacement announced

ICC warns of consequences

The ICC has warned Pakistan about possible punishment. It said that playing some matches and skipping others does not match the spirit of a global tournament. The ICC added that this decision is not good for world cricket or for fans, including those in Pakistan. Matches between India and Pakistan usually draw huge viewership and bring major income, as the two teams have not played a bilateral series for many years.

Players and PCB respond

The T20 World Cup will begin on Saturday, with Pakistan set to face the Netherlands. Pakistan will also play a warm-up match against Ireland on Wednesday in Colombo. After a 3-0 T20 series win over Australia in Lahore, captain Salman Ali Agha said the players would follow government orders. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also criticised the ICC, calling its actions unfair. He pointed to past cases where teams faced different treatment due to government decisions.

Former opener Aakash Chopra criticised Pakistan after the team threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The two arch-rivals are scheduled to play in a Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 7.

A new controversy has now emerged over the high-profile clash. The Pakistani government announced on Sunday that the Men in Green will take part in the ICC event but will not play the match against India.

Chopra pointed out Pakistan’s “hypocrisy,” noting that the announcement came on the same day as Pakistan’s U19 World Cup 2026 match against India.

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

Aakash Chopra Calls Out Pakistan Over T20 World Cup 2026 Boycott

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra wrote on X:

"Pakistan deciding not to play against India in an ICC event ON the day Pakistan played against India in an ICC event. HYPOCRISY ki spelling sahi hai?"

Pakistan deciding not to play against India in an ICC event ON the day Pakistan played against India in an ICC event.
HYPOCRISY ki spelling sahi hai?

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 1, 2026

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. All of Pakistan’s games will be played in Sri Lanka. Both India and Pakistan will start their campaigns on February 7. India will face the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while Pakistan will play the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Chopra Trolls Fan After India U19 Win Over Pakistan

Aakash Chopra also made a separate post on X to highlight that Pakistan did not boycott their U19 World Cup 2026 match against India. A fan mocked him, calling U19 cricket “irrelevant.”

The 48-year-old replied sharply:

"Mat bhejte team phir. Haar gaye toh Angoor Khatte hain…" (Don’t send the team then. The grapes are sour because you lost.)

Mat bhejte team phir. Haar gaye toh Angoor Khatte hain… https://t.co/Nm9KEZijVo

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 1, 2026

In the U19 match, India successfully defended a 253-run target against Pakistan at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Pakistan were bowled out for 194 and were eliminated from the tournament.

India U19 will now face Afghanistan in the semifinal at the Harare Sports Club, Harare, on Wednesday, February 4.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may miss the opening matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, as he will stay in Sydney to continue his recovery from an Achilles injury. Right-arm pacer Sean Abbott, who played in Australia’s recent series against Pakistan, has been named as a reserve in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not played in recent weeks. He missed the start of the 2025–26 Ashes series due to a hamstring strain and later suffered an Achilles problem while returning to fitness.

Hazlewood was initially sidelined with a hamstring injury before the Achilles setback occurred. After reviewing his condition, Cricket Australia’s medical team decided he should remain at home and focus on regaining full fitness before linking up with the World Cup group.

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Selector Gives Fitness Update on Hazlewood

Providing an update on Josh Hazlewood’s fitness, selector Tony Dodemaide said, as quoted by Cricket Australia, that it was better for the fast bowler to continue his recovery at home.

“We felt it was more practical and helpful for Josh to continue his rehabilitation in a familiar setting before travelling to Sri Lanka,” Dodemaide said.

Josh Hazlewood could miss the early stages of the T20 World Cup as he will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles issue with Sean Abbott added to Australia's squad as a travelling reserve pic.twitter.com/EGJmARN8YM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 2, 2026

Cummins Ruled Out, Others Join Squad

As Hazlewood races against time, Cricket Australia confirmed on January 31 that Pat Cummins will miss the T20 World Cup 2026 due to an ongoing back problem. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement.

Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David are set to join the Australian squad in Colombo on Tuesday. The trio missed the Pakistan tour and will be available for the warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday, February 5.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

The 2021 champions have been placed in Group B for the T20 World Cup 2026. Australia will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. They will then face Zimbabwe on February 13 in Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 16 in Kandy, and Oman on February 20, also in Kandy.

Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s squad includes Mitch Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

Sean Abbott has been named as the travelling reserve.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has produced many shocking results over the years. This shows how unpredictable the shortest format of cricket can be. Big teams like India, Australia, and England often start as favourites, but smaller teams and underdogs have surprised everyone with brave and strong performances.

These surprise wins have added a lot of excitement to the tournament. Let us now take a look at five of the most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Here are the five most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Also read -Star Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh scripts five-wicket haul despite an unwanted T20I record in IND vs NZ 5th T20I

1. Netherlands vs England, 2009

One of the first big shocks in T20 World Cup history came in 2009 at Lord’s. The Netherlands beat host England by four wickets. England scored 162/5, with Luke Wright hitting 71 off 49 balls. Ryan ten Doeschate took 2 wickets for 35 runs.

The Netherlands chased the target on the last ball. Tom de Grooth scored 49 runs, with support from other batters. James Anderson’s 3/23 went in vain as the Dutch sealed a famous win.

2. Afghanistan vs Australia, 2024

Afghanistan produced a huge upset in the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating Australia at St Vincent. Afghanistan scored 148/6, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz making 60 and Ibrahim Zadran scoring 51. Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling with 3/28.

Australia were bowled out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell’s 59 was not enough. Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated, with Gulbadin Naib taking 4/20 and Naveen-ul-Haq picking up three wickets.

3. Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2016

Afghanistan registered a historic win in the 2016 T20 World Cup at Nagpur, beating West Indies by six runs. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 123/7, with Najibullah Zadran scoring an unbeaten 48 off 40 balls.

West Indies could manage only 117/8 in reply. Dwayne Bravo scored 28, while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan took two wickets each to seal the win.

4. Namibia vs Sri Lanka, 2022

Namibia shocked Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Geelong, winning by 55 runs. Namibia scored 163/7, with Jan Frylinck making 44 and JJ Smit staying unbeaten on 31. Pramod Madushan took 2/37 for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka collapsed in the chase and were bowled out for 108 in 19 overs. Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 29, while Namibia’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly.

5. USA vs Pakistan, 2024

The USA stunned Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in their first appearance in the tournament. Pakistan scored 159/7, with Babar Azam making 44 and Shadab Khan scoring 40. Nosthush Kenjige took 3/30 for the USA.

The USA matched the total with 159/3, led by Monank Patel’s 50 off 38 balls. The match went into a Super Over, where the USA scored 18 runs. Pakistan could manage only 13, handing the USA a famous five-run win.

Veteran India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has picked Jasprit Bumrah as his Player of the Tournament for the T20 World Cup 2026. He did not pick top batter Abhishek Sharma or T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for this. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka, starting on Saturday, February 7.

In a video shared by Star Sports on X on January 31, Chahal said Abhishek Sharma will be the best batter and will hit the most sixes in the tournament. He also said Jasprit Bumrah will be the best bowler and his main choice for Player of the Tournament.

Chahal said he is most excited to watch India play Pakistan on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo. He also predicted that 240 will be the highest team total in the tournament.

Watch the video here:

#YuzvendraChahal ki भविष्यवाणी! 💡

As #TeamIndia are en route to defeat history, comment your predictions for this World Cup! 👀

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 👉 #INDvUSA | SAT, FEB 7, 6 PM pic.twitter.com/CPF3kOXHHJ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 31, 2026

Also read -Why Trent Boult is not playing for New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026?

India Enters T20 World Cup 2026 as Defending Champions

The Men in Blue will enter the T20 World Cup 2026 as the defending champions. They won the 2024 edition under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Chahal was part of the 2024 squad but did not play in any matches.

Bumrah Shines in 2024 Edition

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 T20 World Cup. India won the title by beating South Africa in the final. In that tournament, Bumrah took 15 wickets in eight matches. He had an average of 8.26, a strike rate of 11.86, and an economy rate of 4.17. His best bowling figures were 3/7.

Overall, the 32-year-old has played 86 T20Is. He has taken 107 wickets in 83 innings, the second-highest for India in this format. He has an average of 18.28, a strike rate of 17.0, and an economy rate of 6.44.

Team India batter Tilak Varma shared a post on Instagram on Friday, January 30. One of the videos showed him charging down the pitch to a fast bowler and hitting a boundary straight down the ground as he continues his recovery and works towards full fitness.

Tilak was earlier named in the squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. However, he was later ruled out of the first three matches after undergoing abdominal surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 7. The BCCI announced this update on January 8.

In the viral video, Tilak, who scored a brilliant fifty for India against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025, can be seen playing an aggressive straight shot against a fast bowler.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tilak Varma (@tilakvarma9)

Tilak Varma’s Return Boosts Team India

Tilak Varma is a very important member of India’s T20I team, and his return from injury is very good news for India.

The left-handed batter, who plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is India’s regular No. 3 batter in the T20 format.

Also read -ICC announces match referees and umpires for IND vs PAK and other group Stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026

Ishan Kishan Shines in Tilak’s Absence

In Tilak’s absence, Ishan Kishan batted at No. 3 for India in the first three T20I matches against New Zealand. He performed well and impressed with his batting.

It will now be interesting to see how the Indian team management includes both Ishan and Tilak in the playing XI once Tilak is fit. Since both are left-handed batters with similar skills, one of them may have to sit out if only one spot is available.

Tilak Set to Return Soon

Tilak last played for India in the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19, 2025. He scored 73 runs from just 42 balls while batting at No. 3.

He is expected to join the Indian team next week after completing his recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Tilak is likely to be available for selection in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.

The ICC has confirmed the list of match officials for the group stage of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will start on February 7. A total of 24 officials will serve as on-field umpires, while six others will act as match referees from February 7 to February 20 during the group stage matches.

For the historic India vs Pakistan match, Richard Illingworth and Kumar Dharmasena, both experienced umpires, have been appointed as the on-field officials.

The officials for the Super Eight round and the knockout matches will be announced later. For the opening game between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires. This will be Wayne Knights’ first T20 World Cup, while Dharmasena is a veteran umpire in major events.

Dharmasena has officiated in 37 T20 World Cup matches, including the finals in 2016 and 2022. For Knights, the PAK vs NED match will be his 50th T20I as an on-field umpire.

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Umpires for Opening Day Matches

On the opening day, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will umpire the Group C match between Scotland and West Indies. Menon was part of the on-field team for the first semi-final of the 2024 World Cup between Afghanistan and South Africa. Nogajski officiated four group matches in 2024, including India vs USA.

Later on the same day, India and the USA meet again, with Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker as the on-field umpires. Tucker leads the tournament in matches officiated, with 46 games, and will reach his 50th T20I during this event. He will also umpire England vs Nepal, India vs Namibia, and South Africa vs UAE matches.

Other Key Officials

Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth, who stood in the 2024 final, will officiate the Group B match between Australia and Ireland on February 11. Illingworth will also umpire the high-profile India vs Pakistan match in Colombo on February 15, alongside Kumar Dharmasena.

In total, 24 officials will serve as on-field umpires during the group stage. Other returning officials include Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere, and Adrian Holdstock.

Match Officials at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Match Referees: Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.

Umpires: Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob.

The excitement for the T20 World Cup 2026 is already growing. All 20 teams are getting ready to fight for the title. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will begin on February 7. Fans can expect fast-paced matches and big moments.

Many young players are likely to play their first T20 World Cup and make a name for themselves. At the same time, this tournament could be the last World Cup for some senior players. Because of age or current form, a few experienced stars may not return for another edition.

Below are five players who could be playing their final T20 World Cup.

Also read -Former RCB all-rounder named as Australia's all-format captain ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

1. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Mohammad Nabi has been one of the most important players in Afghanistan’s cricket journey. From the early days to the world stage, he has helped the team grow with both bat and ball. Now 41 years old, the experienced all-rounder is close to the end of his career. With the next T20 World Cup after 2026 set for 2028, it is unlikely he will play again at the age of 43.

In T20 internationals, Nabi has scored 2,430 runs and taken 104 wickets. He has also led Afghanistan in three T20 World Cups. His calm leadership and fighting spirit helped Afghanistan earn respect in world cricket.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell is one of the most exciting batters in modern cricket. He is known for his fast scoring and creative shots. Maxwell can change a match in just a few overs.

His attacking style sometimes brings mixed results, but it has also produced many special moments. One of his best knocks was a T20I century against India in 2019. Maxwell has scored over 2,800 T20I runs and has also contributed with the ball.

3. Adil Rashid (England)

Adil Rashid has been a key player in England’s white-ball success. When England needed a strong leg-spinner, Rashid stepped up and became a regular wicket-taker.

He is England’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, with more than 140 wickets. Rashid has been effective in the middle overs and keeps his runs under control. With age catching up, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last.

4. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Fakhar Zaman has been an important part of Pakistan’s batting over the years. The left-handed opener is known for his power and fearless approach at the top of the order.

In T20 internationals, Fakhar has scored more than 2,300 runs. As Pakistan looks at younger players and Fakhar moves into his late 30s, this World Cup may be his final chance to perform on the big stage.

5. David Miller (South Africa)

David Miller is known for his strong finishing skills and big hitting. He has won many matches for South Africa with his aggressive batting.

Miller has scored over 2,600 runs in T20 internationals, including two centuries. With age and form becoming important factors, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last appearance in international T20 cricket.

 As teams enter the final phase of preparation, Here’s a look at the players most likely to shape the narrative of this global spectacle.

1.  Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is currently the no.1 batsmen in t20, he has emerged as one of the most explosive openers in T20 cricket. His ability to dominate the powerplay while maintaining a fearless strike rate makes him a crucial asset for India. He has already made a significant impact in his short T20I career. In just 37 matches, he has registered two centuries and eight half-centuries with an average strike rate of 194.93. Apart from his explosive batting, Abhishek has also shown his value as a handy bowling option, capable of delivering one or two overs when needed, with six wickets for India so far.

2.   Varun Chakravarthy

     He is currently the no.1 bowler in t20, He is one of India’s premier mystery spinners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026, with 58 wickets in 35 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.34 and best figures of 5/17. His arsenal of leg-breaks, googlies, and carrom balls has already produced two five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul so far. If used smartly, Chakravarthy has the potential to tilt matches in India’s favour and emerge as a key wicket-taking option during the World Cup.

3.   Sikandar Raza

     He is currently the no.1 all-rounder in t20, He is one of the most underrated match-winners in modern T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions. He is Zimbabwe’s heartbeat as he is capable of anchoring innings or accelerating with big hitting, while also breaking partnerships with his off-spin. With over 1,600 runs and 50+ wickets in T20Is, he has proven himself as a genuine match-winner against top sides. At 39, the 2026 edition will most likely be his final T20 World Cup, making it a fitting stage for him to showcase his experience, leadership, and big-match temperament one last time. 

4.   Philip Salt

  Currently England’s best T20 batter, Phil Salt has been in exceptional form at the international level and is ranked second in the ICC T20I batting rankings. In just 50 matches, he has hammered 4 centuries and maintained a staggering strike rate of 168.13. With momentum and confidence on his side he enters the 2026 T20 World Cup as one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.

5.   Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan remains one of the most influential players in T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions where spin often dictates the game. He is the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, a record that underlines his longevity, consistency, and impact in the format. No bowler in the history of T20 cricket has taken more wickets than him. While Rashid Khan is renowned for his lethal leg-spin and match-winning bowling spells, he has also proven himself as a valuable contributor with the bat. His proven track record makes him one of the most dependable match-winners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.

Former India and KKR batter Manoj Tiwary believes the BCCI may make the tough decision to sack head coach Gautam Gambhir if India fails to win the T20 World Cup at home. Under Gambhir, India has not lost a single bilateral T20 series, but the team’s poor performance in Tests and ODIs has put him under pressure.

Since Gambhir became head coach in July 2024, India has lost two home Test series against South Africa and New Zealand. In a recent three-match ODI series, India lost to a weakened New Zealand team. Because of this, Gambhir is giving great importance to the T20 World Cup, and a poor result could cost him his job.

The two-time IPL champion may be sacked if Suryakumar Yadav and the team fail to win the 20-team tournament, which starts on February 7. Tiwary, who has criticised Gambhir’s coaching style before, believes the T20 World Cup is crucial for the current coach.

Also read -UP Warriorz suffer massive setback with this player's injury in WPL 2026; replacement announced

BCCI May Take Big Decision on Gautam Gambhir After T20 World Cup

“If India doesn’t win the T20 World Cup, then I think the BCCI should take a big and difficult decision regarding Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary has already said that Gambhir will continue until his contract ends, and there is no question of removing him,” Tiwary told InsideSport.

“But I think in the 2026 T20 World Cup, if the result does not come, then the BCCI may remove him and take a big call,” he added.

India’s Group and Title Defence

India is in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA. The hosts will start their T20 World Cup title defence on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium against the United States.

VVS Laxman Could Be Next Head Coach

Tiwary thinks the BCCI should try to persuade former India batter VVS Laxman to become head coach if Gambhir is sacked. Laxman used to travel with the senior men’s team when former coach Rahul Dravid was not available. Tiwary believes Laxman is the perfect candidate because he has plenty of experience.

“I think it has to be a process-driven thing. When Rahul Dravid was the coach and didn’t go on some tours, VVS Laxman used to go. So he was the natural choice,” said Tiwary.

“I think the BCCI should try to convince Laxman because he is level-headed and a good person. He also has coaching experience, so BCCI should consider him,” he added.