ICC T20 World Cup: India open World Cup with two points as Pakistan decides to boycott the marquee clash

India is all set to start the World Cup with two points in hand as Pakistan confirms on boycotting the match against India, which is scheduled to play on February 15. The Bangladesh exclusion saga from the World Cup has taken a shift; when the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, made a few remarks, from that time the speculation over Pakistan's participation started to be stimulated. As expected, an out-and-out boycott will not happen. A X post issued by the government of Pakistan's official has confirmed the speculation.

The post reads, “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February, 2026, against India.”

Solidarity shown to Bangladesh

There is no doubt that the decision comes in solidarity with Bangladesh. Previously, Mohsin Naqvi had accused the ICC of favouring India every time and quoted it as a double standard. He also showed his solidarity with Bangladesh, terming what happened to them as “an injustice.”

Also Read । 'Hope to have him soon': Suryakumar Yadav on Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar’s availability

Naqvi was in talks with the government. India boycotted playing in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025; at the time, the ICC shifted all matches of India to the UAE. Naqvi said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, "You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand, and made clear that Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them.”

What is now for Pakistan?

Pakistan will have to start their campaign losing two points, and as previously ICC had threatened them, they may apply unprecedented fines that could lead to complete cricket isolation if Pakistan proceeds with its exit.

Also Read । A tale of two chances: End game for Sanju Samson as Ishan Kishan rises when it matters most

According to reports, a coordinated "No NOC" policy among member boards to prohibit foreign stars from playing in the PSL is one of these options, along with the possibility of suspending all bilateral series and excluding them from the Asia Cup. In addition to severely impairing the PCB's main sources of income, such sanctions would destroy Pakistan's domestic cricket's commercial value and prevent the national team from playing internationally outside of significant ICC events.