Rajeev Shukla Devajit Saikia Mohsin Naqvi for BCCI and PCB. Image Credits: X
Team India will reportedly travel to Sri Lanka for its scheduled T20 World Cup 2026 group match against Pakistan, even though the men in green have decided not to take the field.
According to reports, BCCI have anonymously confirmed that India will strictly follow all ICC rules and protocols and wait for the match referee’s decision at the venue.
BCCI sources confirm India will follow ICC protocol
According to ANI, BCCI sources said that Team India will travel to Sri Lanka as planned for the February 15 match. The team will not change its schedule because of Pakistan’s decision.
The report further stated that India will practice as per the ICC-approved timetable. The team will also hold the mandatory pre-match press conference. Players and support staff will reach the stadium on time.
The alleged BCCI source also said that India will arrive at Colombo’s SSC Cricket Ground and wait for the match referee to officially call off the game if Pakistan does not appear. India will complete every required formality.
"India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, do a press conference and reach the stadium according to time and wait for the match referee to call off the match," a BCCI source told ANI.
The BCCI has reportedly made it clear that it does not want to violate any ICC rules. By following protocol, India ensures there is no question over points, penalties, or tournament integrity.
Pakistan government announces boycott of India clash
Pakistan had earlier decided to boycott the group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision was announced by the Government of Pakistan through an official post on X.
The statement said Pakistan will participate in the tournament but will not take the field against India on February 15. No clear reason was given for the boycott.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha has already said that the decision was not taken by the players. He stated that the team will follow what the government and the PCB decide.
The T20 World Cup is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan had already announced its squad last month.
The boycott has raised concerns within the ICC. The governing body has earlier warned against selective participation in global tournaments. It has asked the PCB to find a solution that protects the interests of the game.
India enter World Cup in strong form amid controversy
While the off-field situation remains tense, India’s on-field form looks strong. The men in blue recently defeated New Zealand 4-1 in a five-match T20I series.
The team appears confident and well-prepared ahead of the tournament, which begins on February 7. India are the defending champions and one of the favourites again.
India and Pakistan have a one-sided record in T20 World Cups. The two teams have faced each other eight times, with India winning seven matches.
India are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India will open their campaign against the USA on February 7. Their second match is scheduled for February 12.
For now, India will stick to cricket and protocol as confirmed by the BCCI. The final call on the February 15 match will rest with the ICC match officials.
