Pakistan has decided to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play its scheduled match against India, the government said on Sunday.

The decision was taken after an important meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which Pakistan’s participation in the tournament was discussed.

In a statement, the government said the national team would take part in the T20 World Cup but would not play the match against India scheduled for 15th Feb 2026.

Despite reservations, Pakistan confirmed its participation in the tournament, while maintaining its decision to boycott the India match.

The government said the decision not to play India was taken as a protest and as an expression of solidarity with Bangladesh.

The issue follows a dispute lasting about three weeks between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh, during which the ICC, under the influence of the Indian cricket board, rejected Bangladesh’s demands and excluded the team from the tournament.

Bangladesh had four matches scheduled in Kolkata. During the same period, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League following threats from Hindu extremist groups.

Pakistan’s team is expected to depart for Colombo on Monday. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on 6th February.