Overview:
Suryakumar is expected to walk out for the toss, and if Pakistan skipper Salma Ali Agha doesn't report, the match referee will give two points to the Indian team.
Pakistan will not play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The government of Pakistan has refused to give permission for the biggest match of the tournament. However, the Men in Green are free to compete against other teams. Meanwhile, the BCCI has decided to send the team to Colombo for the February 15 clash in Colombo. The Men in Blue will follow the ICC protocol until the match referee calls of the game.
According to a report by news agency ANI, sources in the Indian Cricket Board have confirmed that the Suryakumar-led team will reach Colombo for the scheduled game regardless of the decision taken by the PCB. The team will train and attend a pre-match press conference at the R Premadasa Stadium.
“Team India will travel to Sri Lanka and follow the protocol. They will practise, attend the press conference and reach the stadium to wait for the match referee’s decision,” a source said.
A walkover is awarded only if a team fails to report for the toss. Suryakumar is expected to walk out for the toss, and if Pakistan skipper Salma Ali Agha doesn’t report, the match referee will give two points to the Indian team.
Pakistan’s players came to know about the boycott through a social media post.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India,” the statement posted on X read.
The ICC has also reacted to the development.
“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country, as this decision is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem,” the apex body said.
“While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it added.