Politics has cast a long shadow over cricket once again, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the national team will refuse to play against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup — insisting that sport must not be dragged into political conflict.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeated his government’s decision that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup. He said the decision was made after careful consideration and stressed that sports should remain separate from politics.
Addressing a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Sharif said, “We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup. We will not play against India. The sports field is not a place for political confrontation. Politics must not enter sports.”
He also expressed support for Bangladesh’s similar stance, saying, “This decision was made after serious thought. We should stand fully with Bangladesh on this matter. It is a very appropriate decision.”
Last month, Bangladesh refused to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns. Following this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.
Reacting to that move, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized the ICC’s decision, calling it “wrong” and accusing the body of applying double standards.
On February 1, the Government of Pakistan officially announced that it would boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, which is scheduled for February 15, 2026.
In a post on social media platform X, the government stated: “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has approved the participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, the team will not take the field in the match scheduled against India on February 15, 2026.”
