The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering about boycotting its group-stage match against rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources said on Monday.
This comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland when Bangladesh refused to travel to India due to security concerns. The ICC’s decision has caused concern within the PCB, which had publicly supported Bangladesh.
Speculation about Pakistan’s participation increased after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that the federal government would make the final decision. Insiders say the PCB is considering several protest options and wants to keep all possibilities open, even if the team ends up playing in the tournament.
One option being discussed is skipping the high-profile match against India. Doing so would cost Pakistan only two points in the group stage but could cause major commercial and broadcasting losses for the ICC.
Sources also revealed that Naqvi is expected to meet the national team later today to brief the players, discuss strategies, and explain plans amid the uncertainty surrounding the tournament.
Naqvi has emphasized that the PCB will follow the government’s instructions, even if it means withdrawing from the event. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will start on 7 February, with Pakistan scheduled to open against the Netherlands.
Pakistan is in Group A with India, the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia, and all group matches will be held in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. Pakistan will play the USA on 10 February, India on 15 February, and Namibia on 18 February.
If Pakistan reaches the semi-finals and final, those matches will be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout games will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
