Pakistan captain Salman Agha has reacted to the government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.On Sunday, the Government of Pakistan confirmed that the national team will take part in the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, it has ordered the team not to play the group-stage match against India.This decision came after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament. Bangladesh had refused to play matches in India due to security concerns. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request for neutral venues and later replaced them with Scotland.Speaking after Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia, Agha said the decision was not in the players’ hands. He explained that the team must follow instructions from the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“Yes, we will go. But this is not our decision. Whatever our government and chairman tell us, we have to follow,” Agha said.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha -
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) February 1, 2026
Boycotting against India is not in our hands; we will do whatever our government and Mohsin Naqvi say
So here is clearly political influence. ICC will definitely take strict action against Pakistan for this boycott 👊 pic.twitter.com/heNctwR2XD
Pakistan are scheduled to play India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. On the same day, Pakistan defeated Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3–0 T20I series win.
Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. All their group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India.
Salman Ali Agha won the player of the series award. Proved me and many others wrong with some unbelievable performance and comeback. Best of luck for the WC 👏 pic.twitter.com/b2SmbEWGTp
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) February 1, 2026
What could happen if Pakistan do not play?
If Pakistan do not show up for the match against India, the ICC will declare it a forfeit. Pakistan will lose two points, and their net run rate will drop sharply, hurting their chances of reaching the next round.
Sources say the ICC may also punish Pakistan. Possible actions include limiting permission for foreign players to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which could cause major financial losses. Pakistan could also risk losing the chance to host future ICC tournaments.
Has this happened before?
Teams have refused to play World Cup matches in the past. In 1996, Australia and the West Indies did not play in Sri Lanka over security worries. In 2003, England refused to play Zimbabwe, and New Zealand skipped a match against Kenya. However, this is the first time a major match like India vs Pakistan has been boycotted in advance.The ICC has not yet made an official statement. According to sources, neither the ICC nor the BCCI has received a formal notice from Pakistan so far.
India–Pakistan cricket tensions
Relations between the PCB and BCCI have been tense for years. Problems increased after India refused to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Tensions rose further during the Asia Cup 2025, when Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.The situation worsened when Bangladesh refused to travel to India. Pakistan offered to host Bangladesh’s matches, but the ICC rejected the proposal. The PCB also delayed confirming its travel plans until February 1, adding to the uncertainty around the T20 World Cup.
Pak govt has boycotted match vs india #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/tMLz6Rm34m
— Sourav X (@HereToTroll72) February 1, 2026
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