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COLOMBO: Pakistan men’s cricket team will seek advice from their government if they meet arch-rivals India in the knockout phase of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, captain Salman Ali Agha said on Thursday.

The tournament has been marred by an acrimonious political build‑up after Bangladesh were kicked out and Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A match.

However, a semi-final or final showdown between the uneasy South Asian neighbours is still a possibility.

“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision, and if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we will go back to them and act on their advice,” Agha told reporters in Colombo.

Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security concerns, as relations soured and were kicked out of Group C by the International Cricket Council (ICC), to be replaced by Scotland.

Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s plea to have their games moved to Sri Lanka.

The government in Islamabad cleared the national team to take part but ordered them not to play in the marquee group match against India on February 15.

“It’s sad Bangladesh are not here. They have a very good side. Hopefully, they will support us,” Agha said.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade, and meet only in multinational events.

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They will face Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA) in the group stage.

“We’re excited to play in this tournament. We lost to the USA in the last World Cup, and we are determined to put that disappointment behind us and put a few things right,” Agha said.

Pakistan will not only lose two points for forfeiting their India match but will also take a big hit to their net run rate.

Even losing one of their group games to bad weather could make it difficult for Pakistan to qualify.

“We know the margin for error is small, but we can’t control the weather. We are here to play good cricket, and we’re not bothered about the conditions,” Agha said.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, arrive after a 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home.

“We’ve been playing really good cricket. We haven’t lost a series since the Asia Cup last year. Everything is coming along nicely, and we’re confident of doing well,” Agha said.

All of Pakistan’s games will be played in Sri Lanka, where they toured in January.

“Very happy to play in Sri Lanka, it’s a second home for me. This is my sixth visit, we know the conditions, and we get a lot of support,” Agha said.

READ: Nasser Hussain slams ICC, backs Pakistan, Bangladesh in T20 World Cup dispute

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s decision to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, scheduled to be played on February 15, insisting that politics must not interfere in sports.

While addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the premier backed the government’s stance of preventing the national team from taking the field against their arch-rivals, describing the move as a “carefully deliberated and appropriate decision” in response to what he termed the growing politicisation of cricket.

“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” Sharif said, stressing that sports should remain free from political influence.

He added that the decision was made after thorough consultation at the highest level.

The prime minister also expressed support for Bangladesh in the ongoing controversy surrounding the tournament.

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Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup after requesting their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

According to government sources, the development played a key role in Islamabad reassessing its participation in the 20-team global event.

Officials in Pakistan have perceived the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh situation as biased, further straining confidence in the governing body.

The controversy intensified after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The move, coupled with the ICC’s subsequent decision regarding Bangladesh’s participation, was viewed by Pakistani authorities as politically influenced.

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HARARE: Dominant India humbled Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the U19 World Cup 2026 to secure a place in the final for the record 10th time here at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

India breezed past Afghanistan to chase a 311-run target in 41.1 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

This was also the highest target chased in the U19 Men’s World Cup’s history.

The foundation of chasing down a big total was laid by openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding 90 in just 9.3 overs.

Sooryavanshi played the core aggressor role with a quick-fire 68 from just 33 balls, including four sixes and nine fours.

After his departure, Aaron George, alongside the skipper Ayush Mhatre, held the innings together with a mammoth 114 run parntership that took the game away from Afghanistan.

The pair brought the team’s total to 204 in 26.2 overs. The stand was eventually broken with Mhatre’s wicket, who made 62 off 59 with the help of four sixes and five fours.

Meanwhile, George continued on and went on to score a century. He was involved in another stand of 96 runs with Vihaan Malhotra that put them on the cusp of a victory.

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The right-hander was eventually dismissed when India’s scorecard read 300 in 39.3 overs. He made 115 from 104 balls peppered with 15 fours and two sixes.

Vihaan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 from 47, striking three fours that ensured India crossed the finishing line without a major hiccup.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 310-4 in 50 overs.

Afghanistan’s openers provided a steady start with a 53-run partnership in 12.2 overs.

After the opening wicket, Faisal Shinozada put on a 64-run partnership with Khalid Ahmadzai, who made 31.

The highlight of the Afghanistan innings was 148 run stand between Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada. The pair took the score from 117 to 265 in 45.5 overs.

Shinozada was cleaned bowled after scoring 110 from 93 with the aid of 15 fours.

Meanwhile, Uzairullah Niazai marched on, scoring an unbeaten century which put Afghanistan into a commanding position. Niazai scored 101 from 86, hitting 12 fours and two sixes.

For India, Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran scalped two apiece.

READ: T20 World Cup: Pakistan-Ireland warm-up fixture washed out

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has recorded another major commercial milestone ahead of season 11 after successfully selling its international media rights, with the India region deliberately excluded from the deal.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the one-year agreement for global media rights, excluding India, has been awarded to Walee Technologies, which emerged as the highest bidder and surpassed the PCB’s reserve price.

The PCB further revealed that, on a comparable basis, the latest agreement reflects a 149 percent increase in value over the previous cycle, underlining the league’s growing global footprint and strengthening brand value.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the outcome and termed it a strong validation of the league’s commercial growth.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the International Media Rights sale, which has delivered a remarkable 149% increase over the last cycle for the same regions,” Naseer said.

“This growth is a strong validation of the HBL PSL brand, its competitive quality, and its increasing appeal to cricket fans around the world.”

He added that the league continues to attract strong interest internationally and remains on an upward commercial trajectory.

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“The HBL PSL continues to attract strong global interest, and this agreement reinforces our confidence in the league’s long-term commercial trajectory and its ability to deliver value across diverse international markets,” he said.

Naseer also acknowledged Walee Technologies for pushing beyond past benchmarks.

“We are grateful to Walee Technologies for stepping up the ante in the New Era and breaking past records,” he added.

Meanwhile, Walee Technologies CEO Ahsan Tahir expressed excitement over partnering with the marquee league, calling it a major moment for local innovation.

“This is a victory for every Pakistani who believes in ‘Made in Pakistan’ technology,” Tahir said.

“This is just the start of our HBL PSL journey. We have a lot of plans, and we’d like everyone to eagerly await everything Walee is about to do.”

Notably, the PCB’s decision to withhold PSL media rights for the India region comes amid strained relations between the two countries, with Pakistan recently announcing its decision to boycott the India clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

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Pakistan’s boycott of the high-stakes India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 could lead to substantial losses for Indian broadcasters and disrupt the global cricket landscape.

A day earlier, the government of Pakistan approved the men’s cricket team’s participation in the T20 World Cup after weeks of uncertainty, but instructed them not to take the field against India on 15 February.

According to a report by NDTV, the overall commercial worth of a single India-Pakistan T20 fixture is estimated at around $500 millions (approximately Rs 450 billion), encompassing broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, tickets, and related commercial activities.

The report further states that advertising slots during an India-Pakistan T20 match are priced at around Rs 2.5 million and Rs 4 million for a 10-second spot, which is higher than for knockout fixtures featuring India against other top teams.

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One of the major sufferings would be borne by the official broadcast rights holder, with advertising revenue from India and Pakistan alone projected at Rs 3 billion, the report cites.

Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to incur an immediate loss of approximately Rs 2 billion.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has highlighted the rationale for not playing India and how the decision could affect finances.

“Whether it is in India or Pakistan, 60–70 percent of people watch the World Cup because of India-Pakistan matches,” he said during an exclusive interview with Times of India.

“When a market of this size is shaken, the impact is not limited to one broadcaster,” Latif added. “India is affected, the BCCI is affected, and ultimately the ICC is also affected.”

He further noted that the decision will also impact Australia and England.

“Now that Pakistan has joined, it will impact Australia and England financially as well,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan squad touches down in Sri Lanka for T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday weighed in on the federal government’s decision to boycott the national team’s group-stage clash against arch-rivals India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

On Sunday, the government confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the 20-team tournament but will not take the field against India on 15 February.

The decision came shortly after a key meeting between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following which the final stance regarding Pakistan’s participation and match commitments was clarified.

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Reacting to the development, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X and reiterated his long-standing view that cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations even when political ties remain strained.

“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the T20 World Cup, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take responsibility and demonstrate fairness through action, not just statements.

“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove, through decisions rather than statements, that it is committed to fairness,” he added.

READ: Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka to partake in T20 World Cup 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the Men in Blue will continue to follow International Cricket Council (ICC) procedures regarding its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture against Pakistan.

Pakistan and India are scheduled to meet on February 15 in Colombo during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

However, the Government of Pakistan announced on Sunday that the national team will participate in the tournament but will not take the field against India in the group match.

Despite the boycott stance, BCCI sources said India is fully prepared to proceed as per the tournament schedule and fulfil all formal requirements laid down by the ICC.

“India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, do a press conference and reach the stadium according to time and wait for the match referee to call off the match,” a BCCI source said.

The development comes at a time when the ICC has already issued a strong warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), cautioning that “selective participation” in global events is not compatible with the spirit of ICC tournaments.

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Within hours of the Pakistan government’s announcement, the ICC released a sharply worded statement, stressing that such a move could have wider consequences not only for Pakistan cricket but also for the global cricket structure.

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” the ICC stated.

The world body further urged the PCB to explore solutions that protect the tournament’s integrity and ensure fairness for all stakeholders involved.

“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB,” the statement added.

“It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”

READ: ICC issues warning to Pakistan over boycotting India clash

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday addressed Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, warning that “selective participation” could have serious implications for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan were originally scheduled to face arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

However, the Government of Pakistan announced on Sunday that the national team will take part in the tournament but will not play India.

Within hours of the government’s announcement, the ICC released a strongly worded statement, clarifying that it has not yet received official communication from the PCB regarding the matter.

“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the ICC said in a statement.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.”

The ICC further stressed that its tournaments are built on sporting integrity and fairness, warning that refusing to play a particular opponent undermines the very foundation of international competition.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” it added.

Although the ICC acknowledged the role governments play in national policy decisions, it maintained that the move is not in the sport’s best interests and could hurt cricket fans, including millions in Pakistan.

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“While the ICC respects the roles 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,” the statement continued.

In a clear warning aimed at the PCB, the ICC urged Pakistan’s cricket authorities to reflect on the long-term consequences of such a stance.

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” it said.

The governing body also called on the PCB to find a solution that safeguards the tournament and the interests of all stakeholders.

“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB,” the ICC further stated.

“It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, and are set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under the tournament’s hosting model.

The Green Shirts will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

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LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but will not play against arch-rivals India, the Government of Pakistan confirmed on Sunday.

The decision follows after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Pakistan were originally scheduled to play India on 15 February in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo.

The Government of Pakistan officially announced the decision on X post, stating that the Pakistan team would participate in the mega event, but also noted that the team would not take the field in the match scheduled for 15th February 2026 against India.

“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,” the post wrote.

For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

On Monday, 25 January, Mohsin Naqvi met Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the potential withdrawal from the tournament.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he had written on his X account.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified on 24 January when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after they refused to travel to India, citing security concerns.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will play the World Cup opener against the Netherlands on 7 February and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals, the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

READ: Pakistan bowl out India for 252 in U19 World Cup clash

BULAWAYO: India outplayed Pakistan by 58 runs to secure a place in the semi-final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

Set to chase 253 in 33.3 overs, Pakistan were effectively out of the contest by the 24th over due to their cautious approach, whereas a middle-order collapse eventually saw them lose the match.

With a steep task required, Pakistan needed a strong opening foundation; however, the openers’ wickets fell with only 23 on the board in 3.4 overs.

The breakout star for Pakistan, Sameer Minhas, managed nine from 11 balls.

After an early hiccup, Usman Khan and Hamza Zahoor put the chase back on track with a 60-run partnership from 80 balls.

The pair brought the team’s total to 88 at the end of 17 overs.

Kanishk Chouhan provided India the much-needed breakthrough in the shape of Zahoor’s wicket, who was bowled after scoring 42 from 49 balls with the help of eight fours.

Despite the wicket, Pakistan continued on as skipper Farhan Yousaf and Usman Khan added another 63 runs for the third wicket.

RS Ambrish picked up the wicket of Yousaf to break the stand, a wicket that sparked a collapse from which Pakistan could not recover.

The skipper made 38 off 39, striking three fours and two sixes.

After his wicket, Pakistan lost their way as they slumped to 151-3 in 29.4 overs to 183-7 and later all-out.

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Usman top-scored with 66 off 92, including seven fours.

For India, Khilan Patel and captain Ayush Mhatre shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, Abdul Subhan took a three-wicket haul as Pakistan restricted India from posting a daunting total

Put into bat first, India’s innings folded for 252 in 49.4 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Aaron George provided India a rapid start, adding 47 for the opening wicket in the first 7.4 overs.

Sooryavanshi remained the core aggressor, striking six and five fours in his 30 from 22. However, Mohammad Sayyam delivered a much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan as India lost both openers in the same over.

The right-arm pacer first removed Sooryavanshi, who was caught, and followed it by George’s wicket.

India were further in dire straits as their skipper, Ayush Mhatre, was sent packing for a duck. Thus, the men in blue were reduced to 47-3 in 8.1 overs.

With India in deep trouble, Vedant Trivedi came to the fore and held India’s innings together.

The right-hander remained instrumental in powering India to a respectable total. He first stitched a crucial 62-run partnership with Vihaan Malhotra, who made 21.

Then he strung a couple of stands with middled order batters, Abhigyan Kundu and RS Ambrish, to put India out of trouble.

He eventually departed in the 40th over, after scoring 68 from 98 with the help of two fours and a six.  At this stage, India were 182-6.

Nonetheless, India lost three wickets in the final over, but Kanishk Chouhan’s (35 from 29 balls) ensured that they set a challenging target for Pakistan.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan picked up a three-wicket haul while Mohammad Sayyam picked up two wickets.

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