Pakistan PM Says India Match Boycott Is Solidarity With Bangladesh

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said his government’s decision to boycott its men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, following their removal from the tournament by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Speaking to members of his cabinet on Wednesday, Sharif said the boycott reflected Pakistan’s opposition to what it views as political interference and unequal treatment in international cricket.

“We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won’t play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field,” Sharif said. “We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision.”

On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that while the national team would participate in the T20 World Cup, it would not take the field for its February 15 group match against India. The statement did not initially provide a reason for the decision, which followed a week of uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not issued a public statement on the matter. However, the ICC responded shortly after the government announcement, warning of potential consequences.

“We hope that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country,” the ICC said, adding that the decision could impact the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is “a member and beneficiary.”

It remains unclear whether the PCB has formally notified the ICC of its decision or whether discussions are ongoing. The ICC has said it expects the PCB to seek a “mutually acceptable resolution” that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Sharif’s comments confirm that the boycott is directly linked to the ICC’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, has previously criticised the move, calling it an example of “double standards.”

Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup after their government declined to allow the team to travel to India, citing security concerns. Dhaka had requested that Bangladesh play their matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-hosts and the venue where Pakistan will play all of its games.

The ICC Board voted 14–2 in favour of replacing Bangladesh with Scotland rather than rescheduling Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka. The PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were the only two boards to vote against the decision.

“You can’t have double standards,” Naqvi said following the vote, referencing India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. “You can’t say for one country they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup.”