Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Speaks on T20 World Cup Boycott

By Aditya Nagar | February 05, 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has finally responded to the decision regarding boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against India.

He stated that Bangladesh has the government's full support.

On February 1, the Government of Pakistan announced the senior men’s team's participation in the 20-team tournament, but raised an objection to playing on the same field as rival nation India on February 15 in Colombo.

The decision came after Pakistan felt wrong about Bangladesh getting ousted from the competition after their refusal to travel to India.

Why Did ICC Replace Bangladesh With Scotland: What Was The Reason?

Bangladesh's replacement by Scotland in the ICC came after the team remained reluctant to play on Indian soil. Instead, it wanted the cricket board to shift its matches to Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board even cited multiple security threats, but the ICC did not agree. The global governing body of cricket asked BCB to reconsider its decision.

After the Bangladesh Cricket Board insisted on its stance, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C.

PCB Backs Tournament But Refuses To Play Against India

Following Bangladesh's exit, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi also threatened to leave the tournament.

However, after a discussion with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, it was ruled out that Pakistan will continue to be part of the tournament but will not play against India.

Politics Should Not Be Mixed With Sports, Says Pakistan PM

Referring to his recent stance, Shariff stated that he would oppose the ICC and opined that politics should be kept out of sports.

While addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, he reiterated his clear stance on the T20 World Cup, saying no matches will be played against India.

He added that keeping politics out of sports is our clear stand. And this decision is taken after proper discussion.

According to him, Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh is the right move.

ICC Response To Pakistan PM Statement

On February 1, the ICC (International Cricket Council) issued a statement requesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board reconsider its decision, as it would have a negative impact on the sport.

However, it is noted that no official confirmation has been sent to ICC on this issue. Informal decisions are already underway, and the matter is not settled yet.

India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup. Both teams will start their campaign on February 7, 2026.

The other countries included in Group A, along with India and Pakistan, are the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia.

India Beats South Africa in Warm-Up Match

On Wednesday, India clinched victory over South Africa in the warm-up matches at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the warm-up match between Pakistan and Ireland was called off due to rain in Colombo.

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