Pakistani PM says boycott of T20 World Cup game against India is to show solidarity with Bangladesh
ISLAMABAD February 5, 2026 (AP) — Pakistan’s decision to boycott its match against India at cricket’s T20 World Cup was a way of showing solidarity with Bangladesh after it was ousted from the tournament, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after refusing to play in India, which is co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s government then said it would allow its national team to take part but that it would have to boycott its group game against archrival India. The government initially did not give a reason for its decision, but Sharik said