In a statement posted on social media, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan said it had granted approval to the national side to take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but added that the team “shall not take the field” for the match scheduled against India.

The PCB and Pakistan government announced on Sunday night that the team would be travelling to Sri Lanka for the World Cup campaign – but would not play vs India on Feb 15.

Pakistan match is the most money-spinning fixture of any World Cup, but it now appears set to become the reason major bodies incur massive losses.