Pakistan government’s official stance

In a statement issued on the official social media platform However, Pakistan cricket team will not take the field in the scheduled match against India on 15 February 2026.

Decision taken in support of Bangladesh?

The roots of this controversy are related to the decision of Bangladesh Cricket Board in which they had refused to play in India citing security reasons. Pakistan had supported this stand of Bangladesh from the beginning. After the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s demand and replaced them with Scotland, Pakistan has now made it a battle of principle. Experts believe that Pakistan wants to put pressure on ICC through this step.

What if Pakistan does not play?

If Pakistan does not participate in the match to be held in Sri Lanka (Colombo) on February 15, then as per ICC rules, the Indian team will get a walkover without playing and they will be given 2 points. India-Pakistan match is the highest revenue generating match in the world. Due to its cancellation, ICC and broadcasters will suffer a loss of crores, to compensate for which ICC can also impose a heavy fine on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This attitude of Pakistan is being seen as gimmick and blackmailing in the sports world. Former cricketers believe that politics should be kept separate from sports. Especially when all the Pakistan matches have already been moved to Sri Lanka due to security reasons.