Pakistan may boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India amid growing discontent with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) handling of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, Pakistani media reported on Monday. According to Pakistan media outlet Geo News, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the board is considering multiple options to formally register its protest, including refusing to play the India fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Despite this, the board is said to be keeping all options open, even if it ultimately decides to participate in the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. The development comes in the wake of the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns. A final decision is expected after a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Naqvi in Islamabad on Monday.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 26, 2026 10:02 UTC