Pakistan boycotts India clash: Cricket fans around the world were left shocked after Pakistan announced it will boycott its much-awaited T20 World Cup match against India. The high-profile game was scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The decision was confirmed by the Pakistani government. As a result, Pakistan will lose the two points from the match against India, but the team will continue to play the rest of its group games against the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA.
Pakistan will boycott their game against India in this month’s T20 World Cup.
They will not face India as scheduled in Colombo on Sunday February 15, instead forfeiting the two points on offer for a victory. pic.twitter.com/yuERbmkjZr
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 1, 2026
Why Pakistan took this decision
Officials in Pakistan say the move is linked to growing political tensions and concerns over how cricket is being handled at the global level.
The decision comes soon after Bangladesh pulled out of the tournament, reportedly due to security and political issues related to India, one of the co-hosts along with Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s stand is also being seen as a protest against what it believes is the mixing of politics with cricket administration, especially after recent changes in international cricket leadership.
A rivalry shaped by history
India and Pakistan share one of the biggest rivalries in world sport. However, the two teams have not played a bilateral series since 2012–13. They usually face each other only during ICC tournaments, making World Cup clashes even more special for fans.
Because of this history, the India–Pakistan match is often the most watched game of any World Cup. Its absence is expected to hurt both fan excitement and tournament revenue.
Fans react, ICC yet to respond
Reactions have been mixed. Many Indian fans have expressed disappointment, while Pakistani supporters say the boycott was necessary. The International Cricket Council has not released an official statement yet.
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As the T20 World Cup begins on February 7, the missing India–Pakistan clash once again shows how off-field issues continue to affect the game, leaving fans wanting answers and, most of all, cricket.
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