Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) backing the government’s decision to boycott the high-profile T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against India, Team India is set to travel to Sri Lanka and follow all ICC protocols before the match is officially called off.
The marquee encounter is scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. According to a report by news agency ANI, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will proceed to Colombo irrespective of PCB’s announcement and await a formal decision from the match referee.
India will adhere strictly to ICC-mandated procedures, including attending training sessions, participating in the pre-match press conference, and arriving at the stadium on time.
“Team India will travel to Sri Lanka and follow ICC protocol. They will practise as scheduled, do the press conference, reach the stadium on time and wait for the match referee to call off the match,” a source said.
Under ICC playing conditions, a walkover can only be awarded if a team fails to present itself for the coin toss. As a result, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to walk out for the toss. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will declare India winners by walkover, awarding them two crucial points.
Also Read: Pakistan announce boycott of India match in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s players, who have been cleared to compete in the remainder of the tournament, reportedly learned about the India-match boycott through a government-issued social media post.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India,” the statement posted on X read.
The boycott, announced through official government channels, is widely being seen as a political protest following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. The ICC had earlier rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
The decision has not gone down well with the ICC, which has questioned the move and warned of possible punitive consequences.
“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country, as this decision is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem,” the governing body said.
“While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it added.
