Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 suspense is over, will the match against Team India be boycotted?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Just before the start of T20 World Cup 2026, the high-voltage drama going on in Pakistan cricket now seems to be calming down. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has clarified the situation amid reports of Pakistan boycotting the World Cup in protest against Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament.

According to latest reports, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif After the meeting, it has been decided that the Pakistan team will participate in the tournament and no match (especially against India) will be boycotted.

Why did the controversy arise? (The Bangladesh Standoff)

Root of controversy by ICC Bangladesh out of the tournament and in its place scotland Had to be included.

Bangladesh’s demand: Citing security reasons, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had demanded to hold its matches in Sri Lanka instead of India.

ICC decision: The ICC rejected this demand on the basis of an independent security report. When Bangladesh remained adamant on coming to India, ICC removed them from the tournament itself.

Pakistan’s stand: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi had called it ‘double standards’. His argument was that if because of India, Pakistan’s matches could be held in Sri Lanka (Neutral Venue), then why did Bangladesh not get this exemption?

Prime Minister’s advice: “Not boycott, register protest”

On Monday, Mohsin Naqvi held a long meeting with PM Shahbaz Sharif. According to sources, the Prime Minister supported the PCB’s stance of showing solidarity towards Bangladesh, but advised against a complete boycott of the World Cup.

Financial loss: If Pakistan had left the tournament or not played the match against India, it would have faced a heavy fine and a cut in funds from the ICC.

Threat of ban: The ICC had also given strong indications that a complete ban could be imposed on Pakistan for abandoning the match without any solid security reason.

Pakistan’s preparation: Australia series and World Cup squad

Amidst all the uncertainties, Pakistan has 15 member team Has been announced, whose captaincy salman ali aga do.

Major changes: Experienced in the team Mohammad Rizwan And Haris Rauf Has not found place. While Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are part of the team.

Next step: The Pakistan team is to leave for Colombo on Monday. Before that, they will play a 3-match T20 series against Australia in Lahore from today (Thursday, January 29).

Group A schedule (Pakistan matches)