Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has raised a question about whether, if the final of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan team would boycott that match as well. Pietersen’s question came after the Pakistan Government said that their team would boycott the group match against India, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15.
Pietersen wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Not sure if India can meet Pakistan in this World Cup final due to groups and play-offs, but if they can, would Pakistan refuse to play the World Cup final?”
The Government of Pakistan on Sunday officially announced that it is giving permission to the national team to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but that they will not take the field to play against India. No reasons were stated. Reportedly, there was a meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, after which the decision was made public.
The official X handle of the Pakistan Government announced:
“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.”
On the same night, the ICC released a statement stating that the boycott would have long-term implications.
Also read – T20 World Cup 2026: “He can be Player of the Tournament” – Ponting backs Abhishek Sharma
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