Pakistan reverse boycott of ICC Men's T20 World Cup after Bangladesh removal, clash against India to go ahead
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Published 09/02/2026 at 21:06 GMT
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Pakistan announced on Monday that they would face India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, after Bangladesh were removed over a dispute regarding security concerns. The ICC confirmed that Bangladesh would not suffer any punishment for their refusal to play their matches in India and would host an ICC event between 2028 and the 2031 ICC World Cup, which they will co-host with India.
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Pakistan have confirmed that their highly anticipated Men's T20 World Cup clash against India would go ahead after standing down their boycott.
Their initial refusal to play India was as a result of Bangladesh's removal from the tournament, with Scotland taking their place instead.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chair Mohsin Naqvi had previously called that decision "an injustice", but an agreement was reached, and it was announced on Monday evening that Pakistan had agreed to face India on Sunday, February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh were due to play all of their Group C matches in India, something the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) deemed a security risk, due to geopolitical tension between the nations.
In a statement released on Monday, the Pakistani government requested that the cricket team fulfil the fixture in order to protect "the spirit of cricket".
"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup," read the statement.
"This decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations."
Meanwhile, the ICC stressed the importance of maintaining the "integrity, neutrality and co-operation" of the competition and sport.
A statement from the ICC read: "The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation.
"In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a success.
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"With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country."
As a result of the talks between the ICC, BCB and PCB, it was decided that no sanction or penalty would be handed down for their non-participation.
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In addition, it was also decided that Bangladesh would host an ICC event between 2028 and the start of the 2031 Cricket World Cup, which India and Bangladesh are co-hosting.
"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," confirmed the ICC in a press note.
"It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact.
"The ICC’s approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment."
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