Amid the uncertainty over the T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that the Indian board has left the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will follow the decision that the global body takes.
“We have left everything on the ICC. We will follow whatever decision the ICC takes,” he said.
Earlier, Pakistan had announced that its national team would not play the group stage match against India. The T20 World Cup 2026 match between arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Pakistan`s decision was reportedly taken in support of Bangladesh, as they had expressed unwillingness to travel to India for the marquee event.
Earlier, former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Pakistan`s decision, adding that every point is crucial in the global showpiece.
“Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised Pakistan is backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” he said.
So far in the T20 World Cup 2026, India and Pakistan have played one match each. The “Men in Blue” are topping Group A with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.450 and two points, whereas Pakistan is placed second with a net run rate (NRR) of +0.240 and two points.
The “Green Shirts” will lock horns against the United States of America (USA) on February 10 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the “Men in Blue” will take on Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Additionally, considering Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav`s fiery knock in the previous match, it will be interesting to see if he continues to deliver performances for the team.
T20 World Cup squad for India
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
(With ANI Inputs)
