NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Sunday officially announced its decision to boycott its high-profile ICC T20 World Cup group match against India, even as the government cleared the national team’s participation for the remainder of the tournament beginning February 7.

The move is being viewed as a form of protest after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, rejecting Bangladesh's request to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns.

In a statement shared on its verified social media handle, the Pakistan government confirmed approval for the team to compete in the tournament but made it clear that the side “shall not take the field” for the February 15 clash against India in Colombo.

The announcement puts an end to days of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the event, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and comes at a time of heightened political tension in the region.

"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 Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government posted on social media.

Earlier, the PCB had stated that the final call on the team’s participation would rest with the government following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.

(With PTI Inputs)