Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended Pakistan’s decision to not play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stating that the move was taken after careful consideration and in line with Pakistan’s principled stance on regional issues. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister emphasized that sports should remain free from political influence, while reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh.
The prime minister confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup but will boycott the match scheduled against India on February 15. He described the decision as a “well-thought-out and deliberate step,” underscoring that Pakistan had adopted a clear and consistent position on the matter.
Government Reaffirms Decision on India Match
Speaking during the cabinet session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan’s position regarding the India match had been made clear well in advance. He reiterated that while sports ideally should not be politicized, the broader circumstances surrounding the tournament and regional developments compelled Pakistan to take a principled stand.
According to the prime minister, the government carefully evaluated all possible consequences before reaching its decision. He stressed that Pakistan’s refusal to play against India was not taken lightly, but rather after weighing diplomatic, ethical, and national considerations. The prime minister added that Pakistan believes in fairness and justice in international sports governance and expects the same from global institutions.
Solidarity with Bangladesh Central to the Stance
A key factor behind Pakistan’s decision, according to the prime minister, is solidarity with Bangladesh. He stated that Pakistan believes it is important to stand with friendly nations when they face what Islamabad perceives as unfair treatment at international forums.
Government sources have indicated that Pakistan’s stance was largely influenced by what it views as a biased decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Bangladesh. Pakistan wanted to convey a strong message of unity and support for Bangladesh, demonstrating that political or institutional bias in sports would not go unchallenged.
Cabinet Briefed on Security Situation in Balochistan
During the same cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the country’s internal security situation, particularly developments in Balochistan. He said that terrorist groups, which he referred to as “Fitna-e-Khawarij” and “Fitna-e-Hindustan,” carried out a deadly attack in the province.
The prime minister paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, stating that they responded decisively and effectively to the attack. According to him, security forces killed 180 terrorists in retaliatory operations. However, he acknowledged the heavy human cost, revealing that 17 soldiers and 31 civilians lost their lives in the terrorist incident.
Tribute to Martyrs and National Unity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians as invaluable, stating that those who target unarmed citizens cannot be considered human. He said the nation would always remember the martyrs and that their sacrifices would not go in vain.
He further asserted that Pakistan would ultimately succeed in eradicating terrorism. According to the prime minister, the entire nation stands united against terrorism “like a wall of lead,” sharing the grief of families who lost loved ones, including children and laborers, in recent attacks.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role on Iran
Turning to regional diplomacy, the prime minister spoke about Pakistan’s efforts to ease tensions involving Iran. He said Pakistan played a brotherly and constructive role during the recent period of regional strain.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif disclosed that he, the deputy prime minister, and the country’s field marshal held multiple meetings and telephone conversations with Iranian leadership at different times. He said Pakistan actively engaged in diplomatic outreach to help de-escalate the situation.
He also acknowledged the role of other countries, including Qatar, Türkiye, and Egypt, in pursuing dialogue related to Iran. The prime minister expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through negotiations, adding that Pakistan desires lasting peace and stability across the region.
Decision Finalized After High-Level Consultations
It is worth noting that on Sunday, Pakistan officially announced it would participate in the T20 World Cup but would not play the match against India scheduled for February 15. The decision followed a key meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
After the meeting, the government formally declared that Pakistan would take part in the global tournament while boycotting the India fixture. Sources within the government confirmed that the Bangladesh-related ICC decision was central to the policy stance and that Pakistan intended to demonstrate solidarity through concrete action.
Looking Ahead
The decision has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans, analysts, and former players, with opinions divided over its potential sporting and financial impact. While some believe the boycott could affect tournament dynamics, others see it as a strong diplomatic signal.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Pakistan’s focus now shifts to on-field preparations while maintaining its political and diplomatic position. The government has made it clear that the decision is final, reflecting what it describes as a balanced approach to sportsmanship, national interest, and regional solidarity.
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