Calling Pakistan's boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India an "appropriate decision, the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that it was a "considered stance" to support Bangladesh. Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India on account of "security concerns". "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 stated after a government meeting here. "We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision. We are with Bangladesh," he added. A livid ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board of serious consequences if it fails to show up for the high-profile match, which is a money magnet at the big event for sponsors, broadcasters and ...
Ishan Kishan scored 53 runs off just 20 balls, with the help of two fours and seven sixes, before getting retired out
Saikat was also part of the ICC umpires' panel for the India vs New Zealand ODI series played last month
As hosts and favourites, India enters the tournament with strong momentum, bolstered by their recent series win against New Zealand.
India's senior side will play one warm-up match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa
If Pakistan forfeit their match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, it will be the third ICC T20 World Cup in which the two sides did not play each other after 2009 and 2010
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Monday that the players would abide by whatever decision is taken by the government and the cricket board regarding the boycott of the T20 World Cup match
India will play against the USA, Namibia and South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches
Despite the controversy, the Pakistan team has travelled to Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive in Colombo later on Monday
Tilak, who has recently regained full fitness, is set to play one warm-up game before linking up with the senior national side
Shukla pointed out that the ICC had released a detailed statement clearly underlining the importance of sportsmanship and adherence to tournament commitments
The first-ever instance of teams forfeiting matches in an ICC event was in 1996, when not just one but two teams - Australia and West Indies - refused to travel to Sri Lanka
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not travel with the squad for the early part of its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation after recovering from an injury here, national selector Tony Dodemaide said on Monday. The trio of Nathan Ellis, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell, however, have reached Colombo and will be joined the Australian squad on Tuesday for the upcoming ICC T20 showpiece, Dodemaide said. Australia will play their four preliminary games in Colombo and Pallekele, starting February 11 against Ireland. Hazlewood will remain in Sydney during the early part of the tournament, which begins on February 7, to continue his return to play program. Sean Abbott has joined the touring party as a travelling reserve. Dodemaide said: "Nathan, Tim and Glenn have arrived in Colombo and we look forward to meeting up with them when we arrive from Pakistan. "We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at
The game was set to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as both teams were to face off in a Group A encounter.
ICC warns Pakistan Cricket Board that selective participation in the Men's T20 World Cup could undermine sporting integrity and have long-term consequences.
Cummins had been included in Australia's provisional squad despite not playing competitive cricket since the Adelaide Ashes Test in mid-December.
Scotland currently does not have a confirmed sponsor for the tournament, and even the team jerseys are yet to be finalized.
ICC is considering reinstating Bangladesh in Group A, alongside India, the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands, should Pakistan opt out of the competition.
Following the meeting, Naqvi confirmed that the T20 World Cup issue was discussed in detail with the Prime Minister later in the week
Bangladesh Cricket Board says it will not challenge the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup, citing government concerns.