ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan on Sunday confirmed that the national men’s cricket team will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play against arch-rivals India during the tournament.

Speculation had been growing over Pakistan’s participation in the mega event following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to reject Bangladesh’s request for a change in venue, a move that ultimately led to Bangladesh boycotting the tournament.

The situation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India, further fuelling uncertainty and concern within the cricketing fraternity.

Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 and have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid hosting model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are set to be played in Sri Lanka, despite India being named as one of the co-hosts of the event.

The developments have reportedly caused unease within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had earlier publicly supported Bangladesh’s position during the dispute.

This is a developing story and further details are expected as the situation unfolds.