Pakistan Cricket Team News LIVE: Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has sparked political tensions, with leaders across parties criticizing the Islamic nation’s decision. Pakistan will take part in the other matches but has been banned from taking the field against India.
The Pakistani government said in a statement that it “gives approval” for the team’s participation, but added that “the Pakistan cricket team will not take the field in the match scheduled for 15 February 2026 against India”.
The move comes after Bangladesh pulled out of the competition citing security concerns about traveling to India.
The decision caused massive mistrust among political leaders, with several of them repeating that “Somewhere, Pakistan is afraid of losing”. BJP MP Bhola Singh said, “Pakistan’s mindset and intentions have always been against our country. Somewhere Pakistan is afraid of losing.”
Jaiswal added, “It’s good for us because as hosts we couldn’t ask them not to come. Now the Pakistan Cricket Board will also beg along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.”