Pakistan Pulls Out of India Clash at ICC T20 World Cup 2026

New Delhi: Pakistan has officially confirmed that its national men’s cricket team will not play the highly anticipated group‑stage match against India scheduled for 15 February in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Government of Pakistan said in an official statement on social media.

In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Pakistan government said it has granted approval for the team’s participation in the World Cup, co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka, but that the side “shall not take the field” against India on the scheduled date.

The decision ends days of uncertainty over Pakistan’s involvement and comes amid broader tensions surrounding the tournament, including disputes over Bangladesh’s earlier withdrawal and subsequent replacement by Scotland. 

Despite opting out of the India clash, Pakistan will continue with its other scheduled matches in the event.

The refusal to play one of the sport’s most high‑profile fixtures is unprecedented and is expected to have significant commercial and sporting implications as the T20 World Cup unfolds.