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Bangladesh thanks Pakistan as Islamabad boycotts T20 World Cup match against India

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD/DHAKA - Bangladesh expressed gratitude to Pakistan after Islamabad announced it would boycott its group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, in protest over Bangladesh being excluded from the tournament.

"Thank you, Pakistan," Bangladesh sports adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul wrote on Facebook, adding that Dhaka is grateful to Islamabad for solidarity.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told cabinet members that the decision was made after careful consideration, emphasizing that “there should be no politics on the playground.” “We should totally stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision,” he said.

Earlier this week, Sharif's government reiterated Pakistan’s full support for Bangladesh, vowing to stand firmly alongside Bangladesh.

The government said that while the Pakistan cricket team will participate in the tournament, it will not take the field for its scheduled match against India on February 15.

“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 15 February 2026 against India,” said an official statement on the government’s X account.

The move comes amid broader disputes involving the International Cricket Council (ICC) and follows high-level consultations regarding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.