The Pakistan government granted the team conditional approval to take part in the tournament<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Latif also noted that the possibility of sanctions has been looming for some time and that commercial interests may ultimately force all stakeholders back to the table.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPakistan finally showed resolve. They could face sanctions, and they must be aware of that. We\u2019ve been discussing since last week that such an outcome was possible. Negotiations may begin now, especially with broadcasters involved \u2014 there\u2019s too much money at stake,\u201d former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The statement did not specify a reason for that decision, though it is believed that Pakistan will boycott the match against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who were pulled out of Men\u2019s T20 World Cup for seeking relocation of their matches out of India, citing security issues and were replaced by Scotland in Group C.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 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 15th February 2026 against India,\u201d said the government\u2019s official account on \u2018X\u2019 account.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier this week, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and it was then that he announced that the final decision on Pakistan's participation would be taken on either January 30 or February 2. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 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 15th February 2026 against India,\u201d said the government\u2019s official account on \u2018X\u2019 account.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan had also postponed the team's jersey reveal for the Men\u2019s T20 World Cup, and it was understood that the event would take place once the verdict on the team's participation in the upcoming tournament was announced.<\/p>\r\n\r\n