ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering boycotting its high-profile group-stage match against arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources said on Monday, following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.
The Pakistan-India fixture is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo and is regarded as one of the most commercially significant matches in world cricket.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the option is being discussed as a form of protest after Bangladesh declined to travel to India and was subsequently excluded from the event.
Officials said the PCB is reviewing several response options and has not ruled out symbolic protests even if Pakistan continues in the competition. Boycotting the India match would result in the loss of two group-stage points but could cause substantial financial losses for the ICC, where the Pakistan-India clash is a major revenue driver.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet the national squad following the announcement of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. He said the final decision regarding participation would be taken in consultation with the federal government.
Naqvi criticised the ICC for what he termed double standards, stating that Bangladesh had not been treated fairly. He added that similar hybrid arrangements should have been considered.
Pakistan will begin its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10, India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18.