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Pakistan's decision to boycott the marquee India clash in the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked a debate in the cricketing world. The Pakistan government on Sunday confirmed that the men's national team has been cleared to take part in the tournament, which gets underway on February, 07, however, they will not take the field in their group-stage clash against India.
India and Pakistan are part of the same group in the 2026 T20 World Cup and are scheduled to lock horns in Colombo on February 15. Pakistan's decision to boycott the game has come in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced in the tournament by Scotland after they refused to travel to India for their matches.
Earlier, multiple reports in Pakistan claimed that the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were contemplating boycotting the India game to express solidarity with Bangladesh. Pakistan's decision has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, with several former cricketers wondering how far the stance can go.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was among the first ones to question the logic behind the move. In a post on his official X account, Pietersen questioned Pakistan's stance and asked if they would refuse to play India if both teams ended up reaching the final of the T20 World Cup 2026.
"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?" Pietersen wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the ICC issued a warning to Pakistan after the country's government confirmed the decision about boycotting the India clash in the T20 World Cup 2026. ICC warned Pakistan against 'selective participation' in a global event like the T20 World Cup and said the decision is not In the interest of the game.
ICC warned PCB to consider the long-term implications the move can trigger for Pakistan cricket. While the governing body didn't mention any potential sanctions in their statement, Pakistan risk facing some strict action if they decide to go ahead with the boycott of the India match in the T20 World Cup 2026.
