Cricket Kitchen

Pakistan Will Not Play Against India

February 2, 2026

 

Kathmandu –  The Pakistani government has allowed its national team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup starting this Sunday. However, it has barred the team from playing against India.

India is co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka, which begins on February 7. The two neighboring countries, India and Pakistan, have been placed in the same Group A for the upcoming World Cup.

In a statement, the Pakistani government said, “The Pakistani government grants permission to the national cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup. However, it will not take part in the match scheduled against India on February 15.”

Following this decision, the World Cup has been thrown into further controversy and uncertainty. Due to South Asian geopolitical tensions, the tournament now faces possibilities ranging from boycotts to team exclusions.

Earlier, citing security concerns, Bangladesh had refused to play matches on Indian soil and requested that its games be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request and decided to include Scotland in the World Cup in place of Bangladesh.