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Sports / Cricket

Pakistan cleared to play T20 World Cup but boycott India match: govt

Published: 01 Feb 2026 - 06:14 pm | Last Updated: 01 Feb 2026 - 06:17 pm
Pakistan's Saim Ayub plays a shot during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP)

Pakistan's Saim Ayub plays a shot during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP)

AFP

Lahore: The Pakistani government cleared its national team on Sunday to compete in the Twenty20 World Cup starting from February 7, but stopped them from playing arch-rivals and tournament co-hosts India.

"The government of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup, however, the Pakistan team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February against India," a Pakistan government release said.