Following Pakistan’s announcement that it will not take the field against India in the group stages of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Indian team is expected to proceed with its plans strictly in accordance with protocols laid down by the International Cricket Council.
The marquee group-stage match was scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium, one of the key venues for the tournament in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s decision was confirmed via a post by the government on X, stating that while the country would take part in the ICC showpiece event in 2026, it would not participate in the group-stage game against India. No official reason has been provided for the decision so far, and there has been no detailed clarification from the Pakistan Cricket Board or the ICC.
However, it has learnt from reliable top sources that India will go ahead with its schedule as originally planned. The Indian team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled, even if the fixture remains in doubt.
Sources said the team will continue with their training programme, attend the mandatory pre-match press conference, and report to the stadium on match day at the designated time. In line with ICC regulations, India will then wait for the match referee to take a call on the status of the fixture should Pakistan fail to take the field.
As of now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not made any public comment following Pakistan’s announcement. The ICC, too, has not officially outlined the process or consequences related to a potential no-show at a World Cup fixture.
