The 2026 T20 World Cup has been hit by a major political storm before the first ball has even been bowled. Following a formal directive from Pakistan government, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that their team will not take the field for their Group Stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The boycott by Pakistan secures two points for India via a walkover, it creates a massive legal and competitive headache for ICC. The primary concern is no longer the group stage, but the possibility of India and Pakistan facing off in a semi-final or the final.
The Knockout Scenario: Who Advances?
According to current ICC Playing Conditions and tournament agreements, the rules for a forfeit are clear but unprecedented for a World Cup knockout:
For Pakistan to even reach the knockouts, their path is now incredibly narrow. Having forfeited the India match, they must win all three of their remaining group fixtures against the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. Any single loss or a washout could result in an early exit due to their damaged Net Run Rate.
As the tournament begins on February 7, the cricketing world remains on edge.
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