With a possible boycott by Pakistan of their match against India looming, the Twenty20 World Cup could become the first major ICC tournament in 14 years without a match between India and Pakistan.The tournament begins on Saturday, with Pakistan opening their campaign against the Netherlands, while India play the United States later on the opening day.
Pakistan’s government has not granted permission for the national team to play the group-stage match against India. While there remains a chance that the two sides could meet in the semifinals or the final, it is not clear whether the boycott would also apply to knockout matches.The ICC has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to “explore a mutually acceptable resolution” that “protects the interests of all stakeholders.”After Pakistan completed a 3-0 T20I series win over Australia on Sunday, captain Salman Ali Agha said the players would follow government directions.“It’s not our decision. We can’t do anything about it,” Agha said as cited by news agency AP. “We will do whatever our government and the (PCB) chairman say.”The tournament format includes 20 teams split into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the Super Eights. Two teams from the Super Eights will qualify for the semifinals on March 4 and 5, with the final scheduled for March 8.Matches in India will be hosted in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Sri Lanka, the co-host, will stage games in Pallekele and two venues in Colombo, with Pakistan playing all its matches in Sri Lanka.Group APakistan, which would concede two points if it forfeits the India match, faces the Netherlands, Namibia and the United States. Pakistan cannot afford losses against the associate teams.The United States beat Pakistan in a super over during the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dallas, a result that contributed to Pakistan’s exit at the group stage. The Netherlands had earlier caused an upset in 2022 by defeating South Africa, which helped Pakistan reach the semifinals.India enter the tournament after a 4-1 T20I series win over New Zealand, finishing with a total of 271 in the final match.Group BAustralia are drawn alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. Australia come into the event after a 3-0 T20I series loss to Pakistan in Lahore, including a 111-run defeat in the final match. The 2021 champions have not reached the semifinals in the last two T20 World Cups.Sri Lanka finalised their squad late, leaving out Dhananjaya de Silva and recalling Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Perera. Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to play a key role.Oman, playing their fourth T20 World Cup, will be led by Jatinder Singh. Zimbabwe have added Graeme Cremer, who returned to international cricket last year after a seven-year gap. Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, retained 12 players from the 2024 squad and are appearing in their ninth T20 World Cup.Group CEngland and West Indies headline a group that also includes Italy, Nepal and Scotland. England’s squad features Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt and Adil Rashid.West Indies, led by Shai Hope, come into the tournament after series losses to Afghanistan and South Africa. Coach Darren Sammy has highlighted youngster Quenin Sampson as a middle-order option.Nepal, winless in the previous edition, will rely on 23-year-old all-rounder Rohit Paudel. Scotland, a late addition, include Zainullah Ihsan, Tom Bruce and Safyaan Sharif. Sharif described visa delays as a “hell of a week.” Italy will make their tournament debut against Scotland at Eden Gardens.Group DAfghanistan, New Zealand and South Africa are grouped with Canada and UAE. Afghanistan reached the semifinals in 2024 before losing to South Africa.South Africa, runners-up in the last edition, have Quinton de Kock back from retirement and David Miller fit for the event. Canada return after winning all six matches in the Americas Regional Qualifier, while UAE are making their third appearance but have not progressed beyond the group stage in past tournaments.
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