India to Stick to ICC Protocol Amid Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Boycott

India have announced their stance on the T20 World Cup February 15 match boycott by Pakistan as they will stick to ICC plan.

In a recent move amid escalating tensions, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources have confirmed that the Indian team will strictly follow ICC protocols for their scheduled T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan on February 15.

“India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, do a press conference and reach the stadium according to time and wait for the match referee to call off the match,” the sources revealed.

The blockbuster Group A fixture is set to take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

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Pakistan’s government recently approved the team’s participation in the tournament but explicitly stated that the side “shall not take the field” against India. 

How The Boycott Will Affect Pakistan?

This boycott appears rooted in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose cricket board refused to play matches in India citing unverified security concerns. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s demand to shift games to Sri Lanka, ultimately replacing them with Scotland in the 20-team event.

Under ICC regulations, if one team refuses to play while the other is present and ready, completing obligations like practice, media duties, and arriving for the toss, the match referee can award a walkover, granting the compliant side two points. By contrast, if both teams are absent, the match is abandoned with no points awarded.

India’s decision ensures they position themselves for this outcome, securing valuable Super 8 qualification points without conceding ground. The strategy underscores the persistent geopolitical strains affecting Indo-Pak cricket, where bilateral ties remain suspended and encounters are limited to ICC or ACC events at neutral venues.