After around a week of uncertainty, the government of Pakistan decided on Sunday to allow its team to participate in the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but barred it from playing against India on February 15, when the Green Shirts were scheduled to play their only group stage match against the arch-rivals.

“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 15th February 2026 against India,” a post of the government’s X account said.

On Monday, Pakistan Cricket Board chief group as defending champions India, but will be play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement brokered by the ICC, allowing them to play at a neutral venue.

Following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025, a “hybrid model” was decided upon whereby India played all their matches in Dubai, chosen as a neutral venue.

As per the compromise, Pakistan are set to play all their matches at the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.