Possible scenarios if Pakistan boycott T20 World Cup matches against India

by Devesh Jaganath

image Possible scenarios if Pakistan boycott T20 World Cup matches against India
After weeks of uncertainty, Pakistan confirmed that they will participate in the T20 World Cup that gets underway this weekend on February 7. However, the Shaheens also dropped a bombshell, revealing they will not play any matches against India during the tournament.

Pakistan arrive in Colombo amid India boycott row

There has been no shortage of talking points in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, and with less than a week to go before the first toss goes up, it is increasingly likely that one of the biggest matches at the tournament will not be played. Check out our T20 World Cup predictions. 

Following weeks of uncertainty around their participation, Pakistan confirmed on Sunday afternoon that they will take part in the global tournament. However, they also dropped a massive bombshell, revealing that they will not take to the field against arch-rivals India. A post on the Government of Pakistan’s social media account read:

“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.”

The Shaheens’ delay in confirming their entry for the World Cup followed the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the competition after the Tigers requested their matches to be moved to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for their players and fans. 

Since Bangladesh’s expulsion from the tournament, several Pakistani officials, as well as present and former players, have accused the ICC of practising double standards, while also suggesting that the Indian cricket team have received special treatment from the sport’s governing body for several years. 

 

What could happen if Pakistan forfeits India fixture 

With arguably the biggest match of the group stage of the T20 World Cup now in doubt, there are a few possible scenarios that may follow if Pakistan do go through with their boycott against the Indian cricket team.

The first and most obvious is that India will get a walkover. The BCCI have alread confirmed that the team will travel to Colombo for the match, and if Salman Ali Agha and co do not pitch up, the points will be awarded to Suryakumar Yadav’s side, while the Shaheens net run rate will also take a hit. 

The second, and seemingly least likely outcome, is that the points could be shared, but this would require both captains to miss the toss. Given India have no intention of missing the fixture, this is best ruled out as a potential outcome. 

The final situation involves the ICC convincing the Green Shirts to reverse their decision to boycott and play the match on February 15. This is without doubt the best-case scenario for fans, broadcasters and tournament organisers. 

While the ICC cannot categorically force Pakistan to turn up, it could impose sanctions if the team does not show up. Given the magnitude of the fixture, the match being abandoned would be a huge financial loss, and the PCB could lose participation remuneration and face a substantial fine.