IND vs PAK: The Indian team is all set to follow the rulebook as Pakistan have confirmed that they will boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against their arch-rivals. Sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Team India will travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled and comply with all ICC-mandated protocols on match day.
According to an ANI report, the Indian squad will treat February 15 like any other match day. This includes training sessions as per schedule, attending the pre-match press conference, and arriving at the stadium in Colombo on time. The team will then wait for the match referee to officially call off the fixture in the event Pakistan do not take the field.

Pakistan's stance was made public through an official statement by the Government of Pakistan on social media, which clarified that while the national team has been permitted to participate in the T20 World Cup, it will not play the match against India. No explicit reason was mentioned in the statement, but the reason is due to Bangladesh's 'unfair' removal from the World Cup.
From India's perspective, the approach is straightforward-strict adherence to ICC guidelines. By turning up fully prepared, India ensure there is no procedural lapse from their side, keeping the responsibility squarely on the opposition and tournament officials.
Defending champions India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The Men in Blue will open their campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by another group fixture on February 12. The India-Pakistan match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, was expected to be one of the marquee events of the tournament.
Historically, India have dominated Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup encounters, leading 7-1 in eight matches. However, this off-field standoff has now overshadowed the on-field rivalry.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will play all their group matches in Sri Lanka, starting against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by games against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
If Pakistan stick to their decision, India are likely to be awarded points as per ICC regulations. The final call, however, will rest with match officials and the ICC, as the tournament braces for one of its most unprecedented moments.