By S.M. Inam/Asghar Ali Mubarak
LAHORE: Pakistan confirmed its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but it announced it would not face India in its scheduled match, a decision that has stirred debate within the cricketing community.
Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that the country’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to finalize the course of action. He reportedly stressed the importance of keeping politics separate from sport while maintaining a positive and fair approach on the field.
The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan would not yield to what he described as the obstinacy of any single nation, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the values of sporting integrity and competition.
ICC Response
The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded by noting that the government of Pakistan had instructed its team to adopt selective participation in the tournament. The statement highlighted the challenge this posed for the tournament’s framework, which is built on the principle that all qualified teams compete on equal terms.
The ICC emphasized that such a position complicates the essence of a global sporting event designed to celebrate fairness, competitiveness, and consistency. Officials noted that while they respect the sovereign role of governments in national policy decisions, selective participation could not align with the broader interests of international cricket or the millions of fans worldwide, including Pakistan’s own passionate followers.
The ICC urged the PCB to communicate formally to clarify its position. Analysts suggested that the decision reflects longstanding political sensitivities, but also raises questions about the balance between diplomatic concerns and the expectations of a global sporting community eager to see contests decided purely on merit.
