Pakistan’s boycott of India T20 World Cup match: ICC warns PCB; broadcaster might pursue legal battle again

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Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026: The 2026 T20 World Cup has become victim to controversies before it has even begun. After Bangladesh's withdrawal, Pakistan is now threatening to boycott their group-stage game against India.

2:48 PM IST, Feb 3Pakistan's double standard gets questioned

2:40 PM IST, Feb 3Mohsin Naqvi might take a U-turn on his stance

1:53 PM IST, Feb 3Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB bracing for consequences

12:52 PM IST, Feb 3Pakistan to face legal action

12:42 PM IST, Feb 3Pakistan to play warm-up match amidst the turmoil

12:07 PM IST, Feb 3Mitchell Marsh evades an awkward situation

11:34 AM IST, Feb 3Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Here's what Michael Atherton said about Pakistan's latest stance

11:25 AM IST, Feb 3ICC and their steps to accommodate Pakistan

10:54 AM IST, Feb 3Beating Pakistan is like beating minnows

10:43 AM IST, Feb 3Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Kamran Akmal tells PCB not to back down

9:36 AM IST, Feb 3Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan reach out to other boards

9:11 AM IST, Feb 3PAK's group stage fixtures

8:40 AM IST, Feb 3PCB go with government's decision - Report

8:04 AM IST, Feb 3PCB rely on earlier case

7:58 AM IST, Feb 3Back-channel efforts

7:51 AM IST, Feb 3Shahid Afridi slams decision

7:17 AM IST, Feb 3No update on PCB or ICC statements

7:00 AM IST, Feb 3Lots of money at stake

6:08 AM IST, Feb 3Pakistan Women's A team in similar situation

6:01 AM IST, Feb 3No update on ICC meeting yet!

5:47 AM IST, Feb 3Manjrekar downplays boycott threat

4:33 AM IST, Feb 3‘We can’t do anything' - Salman Agha

3:44 AM IST, Feb 3What did the Pakistan government say?

3:16 AM IST, Feb 3ICC's expected reaction if PCB go ahead with boycott

2:04 AM IST, Feb 3Good morning everyone!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan have already announced their intention to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. The Pakistan government on Sunday cleared its team's participation in the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, but barred it from facing India in its February 15 group-stage match in Colombo. For the PCB hierarchy, the boycott decision is more about symbolism than actually losing out on two points by missing the game. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been tense and at a standstill lately, as shown by the handshake controversy at the Asia Cup....Read More

Also Read: Pakistan branded ‘minnows’, told they’re ‘not in the same league’ as India as T20 World Cup row deepens

The ICC hasn't yet responded to the situation and is awaiting official confirmation from the PCB. The ICC said, "While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan."

It is also being compared to Bangladesh's earlier withdrawal over safety concerns. The move saw Scotland replace them. One Pakistan fan said, "If Bangladesh can boycott for one player's safety, why can't Pakistan take a stand?"

Follow all the updates here:

Feb 03, 2026 8:18:30 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan's double standard gets questioned

Pakistan declared that they will not play against India on the day their U19 team was taking on India U19 in the U19 World Cup 2026. In fact the Pakistan A women's team will take on their Indian counterparts in the Women's Rising Asia Cup on February 15th. While that is possible the fact that they are boycotting the World Cup game is being questioned on social media and within the cricketing fraternity.

Feb 03, 2026 8:10:31 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Mohsin Naqvi might take a U-turn on his stance

A report from PTI claims that Mohsin Naqvi might take a U-turn on his stance of the team not playing India in the T20 World Cup 2026. The report says that the interior minister of Pakistan is waiting for the general elections of Bangladesh to get over on 12th December, which would leave him two days to change the decision.

Feb 03, 2026 7:23:27 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB bracing for consequences

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The PCB are fully aware of the consequences they might have to face if they don't take the field against India. According to a PTI report, the PCB have been informed by the ICC that the official broadcaster JioStar might take them to court if there are financial losses because of their refusal to play against India.

Feb 03, 2026 6:22:42 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan to face legal action

As reported by PTI, a senior PCB offical has said that they might face legal consequences if they don't take the field on 15th February. The officaal broadcasters of the tournament, JioHotstar can take legal action against PCB.

Feb 03, 2026 6:12:34 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan to play warm-up match amidst the turmoil

With the fate of the India vs Pakistan game hanging on the balance, the Pakistan cricket team takes the field in their first and only warm-up match tomorrow. They will face Ireland in the game.

Feb 03, 2026 5:37:51 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Mitchell Marsh evades an awkward situation

The Australian T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh was asked about the ongoing row between ICC and PCB. However, the Australian captain avoided an awkward situation as he replied that his only focus is to win the tournament for Australia.

Feb 03, 2026 5:04:51 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Here's what Michael Atherton said about Pakistan's latest stance

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: In his column for the Times, Michael Atherton wrote that Pakistan run the risk of being sanctioned by the ICC and it's about time that the PCB communicates something to the apex body.

“The absence of a reason given by Pakistan will likely bring stronger sanction than a mere points forfeiture. Nobody imagines the ICC to be a disinterested party here, either, given that it is led by Jay Shah, the former secretary of the BCCI and the son of Amit Shah, India’s minister of home affairs. It is unlikely the Pakistan government will want the loss of face that would come with reconsidering their position and if Pakistan are hit with punitive measures it will be an act of self-harm,” he wrote.

Feb 03, 2026 4:55:03 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: ICC and their steps to accommodate Pakistan

Notably, Pakistan played their matches in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, as India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB also declared the same. It was at this moment that the neutral-venue agreement was drawn up.

Feb 03, 2026 4:24:08 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Beating Pakistan is like beating minnows

Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar has said that the India vs Pakistan matches have lost the competitive edge on his Instagram video. He referred to the competition between the two teams in the 90s and said that it was fun then but now, when India beat Pakistan, it feels India have beaten minnows.

Feb 03, 2026 4:13:40 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Kamran Akmal tells PCB not to back down

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has urged the PCB not to back down and go ahead with the boycott of the fixture against India. Speaking on YouTube, he said that India disrespected Pakistan and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi last year in the Asia Cup, hence backtracking should not be on the table.

Feb 03, 2026 3:06:57 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan reach out to other boards

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Amid the ongoing standoff, the PCB reached out to other boards, according to a report by RevSportz. However, they have found no support and the road ahead has become all the more difficult for Mohsin Naqvi.

Feb 03, 2026 2:41:03 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PAK's group stage fixtures

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan are placed in Group A, alongside Namibia, India, the Netherlands and USA. All of Pakistan's matches will take place in Sri Lanka, which is also a co-host. They face the Netherlands on the opening day on February 7, followed by their game against the USA on February 10. The India match has been scheduled for February 15. Then they face Namibia in their final group stage fixture on February 18.

Feb 03, 2026 2:10:54 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB go with government's decision - Report

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a PTI report, the PCB have decided to go with their government's decision and will not face India on February 15. If they face India in the knockout stages, they will follow the government's decision again. The PCB also feel that the way ICC has been dealing with the issue is unjust.

Feb 03, 2026 1:34:21 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB rely on earlier case

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The PCB are reportedly relying on the proceedings of the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee in a case filed by Pakistan against India in 2018. The case was filed after India failed to honour a 2014 MoU signed by the BCCI and the PCB, under which both countries would play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. In return, the PCB supported ICC's revenue-sharing model, where India, Australia and England receive a larger share. During the hearing, the BCCI initially refused to state a reason for refusing to tour Pakistan, and later claimed that the Indian government didn't allow it. When the PCB asked for written instructions from the Indian government, the BCCI said they had been communicated verbally.

Feb 03, 2026 1:28:16 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Back-channel efforts

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a Dawn report, the ICC has begun back-channel efforts to resolve the issue and prevent financial losses. The ICC are looking at possible options, including Pakistan's reservations.

Feb 03, 2026 1:21:02 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Shahid Afridi slams decision

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi slammed the government's decision. Taking to X, he wrote, "Cricket can open doors when politics closes them".

"It's regrettable that Pakistan won't play India, but this is the moment for the ICC to prove it is impartial", he added.

Feb 03, 2026 12:47:54 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: No update on PCB or ICC statements

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The Pakistan cricket team departed for Colombo on Monday. In a video posted by PCB, the players were dressed in their new World Cup kit, boarding a bus for the airport in Lahore. After the government's boycott announcement, neither the PCB nor the ICC has released an official statement yet.

Feb 03, 2026 12:30:31 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Lots of money at stake

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Not having the India vs Pakistan match could see ICC lose out on an expected revenue of USD 250 million, which is over ₹2200 crore, according to some estimates. Meanwhile, even the broadcaster would have revenue losses.

Feb 03, 2026 11:38:57 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan Women's A team in similar situation

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Despite the Pakistan government's announcement, the Pakistan Women's A team hasn't received any instructions from the PCB yet. They are set to face India in the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Bangkok on February 15. On the same day the men's T20 World Cup boycott was announced, the PCB named its Women's A team without further information.

Feb 03, 2026 11:31:17 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: No update on ICC meeting yet!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: There has beenn no update on a ICC board meeting yet. Also, the PCB hasn't yet officially confirmed its boycott.

Feb 03, 2026 11:17:13 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Manjrekar downplays boycott threat

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Former India player Manjrekar downplayed Pakistan's boycott threat, pointing out that they aren't India's arch-rivals anymore. Taking to Instagram, he said, "India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match. And the reason for that is obvious. It's that India and Pakistan are not in the same league anymore. Earlier, in the 90s and before, it was fun because Pakistan was a strong team. But not anymore. Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan."

"That's how Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. I saw that in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players that come through the Indian cricket system versus the Pakistan cricket system. It's the difference between the earth and the sky," he added.

Feb 03, 2026 10:03:47 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: ‘We can’t do anything' - Salman Agha

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: After the third T20I vs Australia, Pakistan captain salman Agha opened up on the boycott and said that it was the government's decision. "We are definitely going for the World Cup. That is not our decision. We can’t do anything. What our government, our (PCB) chairman say, we have do that. So what they tell us we’ll do that," he said.

Feb 03, 2026 9:14:49 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: What did the Pakistan government say?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: On Sunday evening, the Pakistan government officially ordered the PCB not to play India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. A Government of Pakistan post said, "The Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February, 2026 against India."

Feb 03, 2026 8:46:13 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: ICC's expected reaction if PCB go ahead with boycott

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to reports, the ICC could ask member boards not to issue NOCs for the PSL, impose a ban on Pakistan from the Asia Cup, or withdraw PCB's ICC revenue share.

Feb 03, 2026 7:34:13 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Good morning everyone!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: There is no update on Pakistan's boycott of facing India in the group stage yet. The latest reports point to Pakistan boycotting Suryakumar Yadav and Co., but suggest that the PCB will eventually fall in line.

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