India To Travel To Sri Lanka Despite Pakistan Boycotting T20 World Cup 2026 Match, Here’s Why

India will proceed with travel plans to Sri Lanka for their scheduled T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Pakistan on February 15, even as the Pakistan Cricket Board maintains its decision to boycott the fixture. Sources indicate that the Indian team will strictly follow tournament protocol and wait for officials to take a final call at the venue.

India to adhere to ICC match-day protocol

According to a report by ANI, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India said the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will travel to Colombo as scheduled and complete all mandatory requirements laid down by the International Cricket Council. These include training sessions, a pre-match press conference and arriving at the stadium on time.

"Team India will travel to Sri Lanka and follow ICC protocol. They will practise as scheduled, do the press conference, reach the stadium on time and wait for the match referee to call off the match," a source said.

The match is slated to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Walkover likely if Pakistan does not turn up

Under ICC playing conditions, a walkover can be awarded only if one side does not present itself for the toss. As things stand, India captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to walk out for the toss. If Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha does not appear, officials are likely to award India a walkover along with two points.

The situation has put the spotlight on the match referee, who will make the final determination once the formalities are completed on match day.

Pakistan players learnt of boycott via government post

Pakistan's squad, which has clearance to participate in the rest of the T20 World Cup, reportedly learnt about the India-match boycott through a government announcement shared on social media.

"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 team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India," the statement posted on X read.

The boycott decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board is being seen as a political signal following Bangladesh's removal from the tournament. The move came after the ICC declined Bangladesh's request to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security assessments.

ICC warns of wider consequences

The ICC has expressed concern over the potential fallout of the boycott and has cautioned Pakistan about the broader impact on the sport.

"The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country, as this decision is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem," the global body said.

"While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan," it added.

Credit: Oneindia