Pakistan Decides Against Traveling to India for 2026 T20 World Cup — Matches to Be Held at Neutral Venue if Team Qualifies
News Article:
Lahore: In a major development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided that the national team will not travel to India for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, citing security and political concerns.
According to reliable sources, Pakistan’s participation in the global event will be conditional, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) likely to arrange Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue if the team qualifies for the tournament.
The decision follows continued tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have limited cricketing ties for over a decade. Pakistan’s stance comes despite the ICC’s earlier confirmation that India will host the 2026 edition of the tournament.
A senior PCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
We have made it clear that the team’s security and national interests come first. Unless there is a formal assurance and improved bilateral relations, Pakistan will not play in India.
Sources further revealed that discussions are ongoing between the PCB, ICC, and participating boards to finalize an alternate arrangement, with UAE, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh emerging as possible neutral venues for Pakistan’s fixtures.
Cricket analysts say this move could renew debate over sports and politics, especially after Pakistan hosted India in neutral venues during previous ICC events, such as the Asia Cup 2023 hybrid model.
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The ICC has yet to issue an official response, but insiders expect the matter to be discussed in the upcoming board meeting to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly without controversy.
If confirmed, this decision would mark yet another chapter in the long-standing cricketing impasse between India and Pakistan, with fans worldwide expressing disappointment at the continued absence of direct contests between the two arch-rivals.
