The proposed India–Pakistan match at the 2026 T20 World Cup has come under uncertainty following a public declaration by the Pakistan government that its team will not play India in the tournament. The International Cricket Council has not announced any decision so far, and the official schedule continues to list the match.
As per the current programme, India and Pakistan are slated to meet on 15 February in Colombo. The ICC’s response to the Pakistan government’s position is still awaited, leaving the status of the fixture unresolved.
The media seeks a response from the Indian head coach
Against this backdrop, the Indian men’s team head coach Gautam Gambhir was approached by reporters on the issue. Gambhir was at the Mumbai airport ahead of travel for official commitments related to the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As he stepped out of his vehicle, reporters attempted to question him on Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India. Gambhir acknowledged the media presence and thanked them, but did not respond to any questions related to Pakistan or the proposed fixture.
Despite repeated attempts by reporters to draw a reaction, the head coach chose not to comment and left the venue without making any statement. His silence was noted, particularly given the political and sporting sensitivities surrounding India–Pakistan cricket ties.
ICC yet to clarify tournament implications
The ICC has not issued any clarification on whether Pakistan’s position could affect the tournament schedule or group allocations. With the T20 World Cup still some time away, administrative discussions are expected to continue behind closed doors.
Cricket fixtures involving India and Pakistan have historically required coordination between governments and international bodies, with previous tournaments seeing changes under similar circumstances.
Gambhir focused on ICC success as head coach
Gautam Gambhir is currently targeting a second ICC title as head coach of the Indian team. Under his leadership, India recently won the Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final.
India enter the 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champions. The team had lifted the title in 2024 after a seven-run win over South Africa in the final. Since Gambhir took over as head coach, India have not lost a T20 series.
With preparations underway for the global tournament, the Indian camp remains focused on performance, even as questions persist around the India–Pakistan fixture and the ICC’s next steps.
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