The Pakistan cricket team has left for Sri Lanka to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after deciding to boycott the much-anticipated match against India in the tournament. Pakistan’s government has given permission to the national cricket team to participate in the World Cup, but ordered them not to take the field for the match against India.
After official announcement of the boycottPakistan flew to Sri Lanka to participate in the tournament where they are scheduled to play all their matches after reaching a mutual agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in December 2024. Videos of Pakistan players flying out of the airport went viral on social media, with players like Salheen Fakhar Afrha and others seeing their luggage like Agidi and others. leave.
Meanwhile, amid Pakistan’s boycott, the Indian team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled, with captain Suryakumar Yadav set to leave for the draw for the marquee match. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not turn up for the toss, the match referee will award India a transition, resulting in two points being awarded to the Indian side.
ICC warns Pakistan against sanctions
The International Cricket Council has expressed serious concerns regarding the decision of the Government of Pakistan. In an official statement, the ICC acknowledged the stance taken by the Pakistan government but clarified that it was still awaiting a formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the matter. The world governing body emphasized that the concept of selective participation in a global tournament is difficult to reconcile with the principles of international competition.
The governing body further urged the PCB to carefully consider the significant and long-term implications of the situation for cricket in the country. The ICC noted that the issue could have far-reaching implications for the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both an integral member and a key beneficiary.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign with a warm-up match against Ireland on February 4 in Colombo, as part of their preparations for the main tournament.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 2, 2026
