The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is facing an unprecedented crisis as Pakistan has officially announced it will boycott its Group A match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The decision marks the first time in modern cricket history that a team has refused to play a scheduled World Cup fixture against another nation.

The Government of Pakistan confirmed the decision through an official statement on social media platform X, stating that while the Pakistan cricket team has been granted permission to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament, they shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India. The Pakistan squad has since arrived in Sri Lanka, where they will participate in all other tournament matches.

The controversy stems from the earlier removal of Bangladesh from the tournament on January 24, after they refused to play their matches in India citing security concerns. Pakistan was the only nation that vocally supported Bangladesh's request for an alternate venue. Following Bangladesh's removal, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of applying double standards, stating that rules cannot favor one country while requiring others to comply completely.

The ICC has responded swiftly and critically to what it termed selective participation, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board to consider the significant and long-term implications of its decision. According to reports, the ICC has warned Pakistan that they face potential legal action from T20 World Cup official broadcasters JioStar, owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The financial ramifications could reportedly exceed $250 million for world cricket.

If Pakistan proceeds with the boycott, they will forfeit two crucial points in their Group A standings. This decision means the 2026 T20 World Cup will become the first men's ICC tournament since 2010 not to feature an India-Pakistan match in the group stage, depriving cricket fans worldwide of one of sport's most anticipated rivalries.

Back-channel negotiations between the ICC and PCB have reportedly begun as both parties seek to minimize the damage. However, with political tensions between the two nations running high, a resolution appears uncertain. The tournament, which begins on February 7, features 20 teams divided into four groups of five, with India set to face USA in their opening match in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Australia has suffered a significant blow with captain Pat Cummins ruled out due to a lingering back injury. The 32-year-old fast bowler has not played since the Adelaide Test against England in mid-December and has been replaced by left-arm paceman Ben Dwarshuis. Cummins expressed disappointment at the timing, saying it was really unfortunate and that he just ran out of time after a minor setback in his recovery.

In brighter news for cricket fans, Delhi Capitals secured their place in a fourth consecutive Women's Premier League final with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator on February 3. Openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee launched a devastating assault, smashing 89 runs in just 7.1 overs during the powerplay. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt guided the team home with 26 balls to spare, setting up a final clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 5.

As the cricketing world watches anxiously, the India-Pakistan situation threatens to overshadow what should be a celebration of the sport on its biggest stage.