COLOMBO / ISLAMABAD — In a move that has stunned the global cricket community, the Government of Pakistan confirmed on Sunday, February 1, 2026, that while the national team will participate in the T20 World Cup, they will not take the field against India. This “selective participation” is a formal protest against the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which was replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India.
1. The Boycott: Impact on Group A
By refusing to play the February 15 fixture in Colombo, Pakistan is effectively handing a massive advantage to their rivals.
- Automatic Forfeit: Under ICC Playing Conditions (Clause 16.10.7), India will be awarded two points automatically.
- NRR Damage: A forfeit is recorded as a loss. For Net Run Rate (NRR) calculation, the defaulting team’s full quota of overs is counted against them, while the opposition’s NRR remains unaffected, putting Pakistan at a severe disadvantage for semi-final qualification.
- The “Fusion Formula” Broken: This match was scheduled for Colombo specifically to accommodate Pakistan’s refusal to play on Indian soil. By boycotting a neutral-venue match, Pakistan has bypassed the very compromise designed to keep them in the tournament.
2. ICC Warns of “Long-Term Implications”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a sharply worded statement late Sunday night, making it clear that the PCB’s stance is a breach of the Members’ Participation Agreement (MPA).
- Sanctions Looming: Sources suggest the ICC is considering heavy financial penalties and potential restrictions on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Hosting Rights: Pakistan’s status as a future host for ICC events (including the 2028 Champions Trophy) may be reconsidered if the boycott is maintained.
- Official Stance: “Selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event… this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans,” the ICC stated.
3. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s Reaction
Following Pakistan’s T20I series win over Australia, captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the media, emphasizing that the players are merely following orders.
“Humara decision nahi hai, hum kuch nahi kar sakte (It’s not our decision, we can’t do anything). Whatever our government and the PCB chairman tell us to do, we will do that.”
Despite the political drama, the team is scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka on Monday, February 2, to begin their campaign.
Group A: Revised Outlook (As of Feb 2, 2026)
| Team | Status | Projected Points (vs India/Pak) |
| India | Active | +2 (Forfeit Gain) |
| Pakistan | Selective | 0 (Forfeit Loss) |
| USA | Active | Needs 2 wins for Super 8s |
| Netherlands | Active | Dark horse for qualification |
| Scotland | Active | Replaced Bangladesh; 1st match vs Ireland |