BCCI Agrees With ICC Over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Boycott: Rajeev Shukla

February 2, 2026

New Delhi: BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla on Monday said the Board of Control for Cricket in India agrees with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) stance on sportsmanship following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, adding that the BCCI will comment only after consulting the ICC.

“ICC has issued a strong statement on sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI will not make any comment until discussions with the ICC,” Shukla said.

Pakistan Announces Selective Participation

Pakistan announced that while its team will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it will not take the field against India in the February 15 group match. The Pakistan government did not cite any reason for the decision.

The ICC reacted sharply, saying “selective participation” goes against the fundamental premise of a global sporting event and undermines sporting integrity, fairness, and competitiveness. The ICC urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the interest of all stakeholders and the global game.

India Enters Tournament as Defending Champions

India enter the tournament as defending champions and are in strong form after a 4-1 T20I series win over New Zealand. India hold a dominant 7-1 record over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups. The tournament begins on February 7, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.