T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif cites Bangladesh solidarity for India game boycott

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has explained the reasons behind Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage clash against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Breaking weeks of official silence, Sharif confirmed that the decision was taken as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, which was controversially removed from the tournament. His comments are the first admission from either the Pakistan government or the Pakistan Cricket Board linking the boycott directly to Bangladesh’s exclusion.

Bangladesh was ousted from the T20 World Cup after its government refused to allow the national team to travel to India, citing security concerns. With India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament, Bangladesh requested that their matches be shifted entirely to Sri Lanka. However, following an independent review that found no credible threat, the ICC rejected the proposal.

Subsequently, the ICC board voted 14-2 to replace Bangladesh with Scotland, a decision opposed by both the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The episode led to immense criticism for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the interior minister in Sharif’s cabinet, who accused the ICC of applying double standards and mistreating Bangladesh. Addressing federal cabinet members in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif confirmed that Pakistan’s refusal to play India on February 15 was a deliberate and carefully considered decision.

"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. We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision," the Pakistan Prime Minister said.

ICC to face significant financial losses if boycott goes ahead

The Pakistan government had earlier announced that the national team would participate in the tournament but would boycott the India fixture without providing any explanation. Following this, the ICC warned the PCB of potential long-term consequences. In a statement, the governing body urged Pakistan to reconsider, noting that such actions could disrupt global cricket. With India-Pakistan matches being the tournament’s biggest commercial draw, the ICC also faces significant financial losses if the boycott goes ahead.

Despite the growing pressure, the PCB has not officially communicated its stance to the ICC, though back-channel discussions are reportedly underway. Naqvi has continued to argue that allowing India flexibility on travel decisions while denying the same to Bangladesh shows irregularity in governance.