Reports: India to travel to Sri Lanka, do usual pre-match duties despite Pakistan boycotting T20 World Cup 2026 clash
The Pakistan government has officially confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Team, led by Salman Ali Agha, will boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against arch-rivals India on February 15.
The Pakistan government has officially confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Team, led by Salman Ali Agha, will boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against arch-rivals India on February 15. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo had been picked to host this encounter.
Despite Pakistan deciding to boycott the clash, reports suggest that the Indian squad will be heading to Sri Lanka and commence its usual pre-match preparations. The Men in Blue will wait for the match referee's call if and when Pakistan fail to take the field.
India will proceed with its plans strictly in accordance with protocols laid down by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan’s decision was confirmed via a post by the government on 'X' (formerly Twitter), stating that while the country would compete in the ICC showpiece event in 2026, it would not participate in the group-stage game against India. No official reason has been provided for the decision so far, and there has been no detailed clarification from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the ICC.
Pakistan and India are placed in Group A in the T20 World Cup. The USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia are the other three teams in the group. The top two teams will progress to the Super Eight stage of the competition.
'Would Pakistan refuse to play the World Cup final?' - Kevin Pietersen asks
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen wondered whether the Men in Green would refuse to face Suryakumar Yadav's men if they both made it to the finals of the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan to boycott match against India
"Not sure if India can meet Pakistan in this World Cup final due to groups and play offs, but if they can, would Pakistan refuse to play the World Cup final? Asked Pietersen on X.
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1KPakistan are set to face the Netherlands in the opening encounter in the T20 World Cup on February 7. India will cross swords with the USA later on the same day.
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