T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan surrenders before ICC diktat, books tickets to Colombo despite boycott threats

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has virtually put an end to speculation about boycotting the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board has finalized all arrangements for its team to depart for Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the morning of February 2. This makes it clear that neither will the tournament be boycotted, nor will Pakistan withdraw from the high-voltage match against India on February 15.

What did the PCB say?

According to media reports, sources close to the PCB said that the travel schedule for the World Cup has already been finalized. Therefore, there is no basis for talk of a boycott. According to the sources, the PCB did support the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) security concerns regarding playing in India, but going any further would weaken its position within the ICC.

It is worth noting that under a tripartite agreement between the BCCI, PCB, and ICC, all India-Pakistan ICC matches until 2027 will be played at neutral venues. Therefore, all of Pakistan's World Cup matches, including the final (if the team qualifies), are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.

An official questioned, "When the entire schedule is in Sri Lanka, there is no basis for boycotting the match against India or the tournament itself."

What happened in the meeting with the Pakistan PM?

Officials also revealed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their meeting that any decision should safeguard the future of Pakistan cricket and should not jeopardize relations with the ICC and other boards.

Insiders dismissed the boycott reports circulating in the media as rumors and said that the Indian government's refusal to play in Pakistan does not mean that India-Pakistan matches cannot be held at neutral venues.