Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), voiced his support for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) warning to Pakistan regarding its decision to boycott the highly anticipated match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. This move by Pakistan, announced through an official statement, is perceived as a political protest following the ICC’s refusal to allow Bangladesh to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
The ICC has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that such a boycott could result in severe repercussions and emphasized that this decision is detrimental to the spirit of the sport. “The ICC has made a significant statement on this matter, stressing the importance of sportsmanship. We fully align with the ICC’s stance. The BCCI will refrain from commenting until we consult with the ICC,” Shukla told the media.
The situation escalated when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opted to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the IPL 2026, in light of the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
The T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on February 7, beginning with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka. India will also launch its campaign on the same day, facing the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The much-anticipated showdown between India and Pakistan is slated for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Previously, the ICC had removed Bangladesh from this prestigious tournament, substituting them with Scotland, who will face the West Indies in the opening match on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
In Group A of the T20 World Cup 2026, India and Pakistan will compete alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.